Redlands
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Redlands area serves as a strategic corridor for CA observers. We combine community-vetted spots like High Desert Astronomical Society with professional NPS sky reports at Fifth street Lakeview for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Redlands
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: High Desert Astronomical Society. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~31.1 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class D (Urban). Use the instrumented 7 rating from Fifth street Lakeview as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact San Bernardino Valley Amateur Astronomers for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Redlands offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Redlands is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the CA metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 7 skies found at Fifth street Lakeview.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Redlands
Observation in Redlands is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Pacific region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Redlands Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Redlands temperatures can shift rapidly after sunset, allow your telescope mirrors at least 45 minutes to 'cool down' before attempting high-magnification work at High Desert Astronomical Society. This prevents 'tube currents' from blurring your view of Jupiter or Saturn. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 7 at Fifth street Lakeview (15.8 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Redlands
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Redlands environment.
High Desert Astronomical Society
" A manageable drive from Redlands, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. The High Desert Astronomical Society will be present with telescopes, providing a guided tour of the Moon, planets and other celestial objects for visitors. International Observe the Moon Night is sponsored by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission and the Solar System Exploration Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, with many contributors. "
Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
" Redlands observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
Wildlands Conservancy - Oak Glen
" Practically in Redlands's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Imaging Tip: If you're photographing the Milky Way, bring a clear filter or dew shield to prevent lens fogging in humid conditions. "
Veterans Freedom Park
" Practically in Redlands's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "
Garvey Ranch Observatory
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Redlands; this destination is a justified detour. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Redlands
Urban viewing is best for high-contrast targets. Head to High Desert Astronomical Society to escape local glare.
Sky Quality Reports for Redlands
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Redlands nights in our observer field kit.
Fifth street Lakeview
Riverside County, CA
Local Relevance
For observers in Redlands, Fifth street Lakeview serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Set up on street, fields, bright glare from facility north."
Sycamore Canyon Park
City of Riverside, CA
Local Relevance
Redlands enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Sycamore Canyon Park to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Glare from sewer plant and Riverside city excessive. Below 60 zenith angle only 1st mag stars visible. At zenith constellations are seen, stars in little dipper missing."
Dark Sky Oasis near Redlands
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Redlands stargazers often look to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
200 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA 92004 USA
Joshua Tree National Park
The protected skies at Joshua Tree National Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Redlands observing community.
74485 National Park Drive Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Redlands
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Planetary Expert profile.
Gearing Up for Redlands Nights
"The transition from the Redlands skyglow to these mid-range sites is significant. A simple red-light headlamp is your most important accessory here to navigate safely without ruining your hard-won night vision."
The Redlands Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Redlands requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional suburban benchmarks. Since High Desert Astronomical Society offers a specific Class 7 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.