Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park: Complete Guide for Beginners

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing.

It is designated as an International Dark Sky park, meaning the park has undertaken efforts to protect its dark skies and has exceptional starry nights.

Stargazing is an activity that can’t be missed on any trip to Joshua Tree National Park!

Here’s what you need to know about stargazing in Joshua Tree so you can have the best night under the stars.

Best Time for Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park

If you are planning your trip to Joshua Tree National Park around stargazing, here are some factors to consider about timing.

The best time for stargazing in is around the new moon. If there’s a bright moon lighting up the night sky, it’ll be more challenging to see all of the stars above you. Make sure to look at a calendar with the moon phases when you’re choosing the dates for your trip.

If you REALLY want to center your trip to Joshua Tree around stargazing, visit the park during the annual Night Sky Festival. This festival includes several days of activities for all ages. The annual Night Sky Festival occurs each fall (check the festival’s website for the specific dates each year).

Stargazing Programs in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the many national parks that offers night sky programs.

These programs are a great way to get even more out of your experience stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park.

During Joshua Tree’s free night sky programs, a park ranger will share additional information on the wonders of the night sky.

Check for the dates and times of these night sky programs on the Acadia National Park program calendar.

Best Places for Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park

Since Joshua Tree National Park is a designated International Dark Sky park, you’ll probably have a great experience stargazing almost anywhere in the park. Here are some recommendations for the best spots for stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park so you know exactly where to head.

Pinto Basin Road

Pinto Basin Road generally runs north to south through the center of Joshua Tree National Park.

Since most of the campgrounds and other developed areas are on the west side of the park along Park Boulevard, this road has less traffic and even darker skies.

Check out the stretch of Pinto Basin Road between Cholla Cactus Garden and the Cottonwood Visitor Center for one of the best stargazing spots in Joshua Tree. You can pull off the road and park at the Pinto Basin Sand Dunes or Porcupine Wash trailheads.

This is a particularly great spot for stargazing if you are staying at nearby Cottonwood Campground or White Tank Campground. These are the campgrounds at either end of this road.

Designated Stargazing Areas

Many day use areas in Joshua Tree National Park can only be used until sunset, so you shouldn’t park in these areas at night for stargazing.

However, the park has established three parking lots as designated stargazing areas.

The designated stargazing areas are at Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, and Ryan Mountain.

All three of the stargazing areas are sort of in the center of all the developed areas on the west side of the park off of Park Boulevard. So if you are staying in Hidden Valley Campground or Ryan Campground, you will be near these designated stargazing areas.

Roadside Pullouts

There are a number of roadside pullouts located along Park Boulevard.

The National Park Service allows visitors to stop at these pullouts for stargazing.

Pull over and park at one of these pullouts to snag your own little stargazing spot with no other cars. Just keep in mind that you won’t have any amenities like bathrooms immediately available to you if you plan to sit under the stars for a while.

Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center

Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center is just outside the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park. It’s next to the park’s north entrance station.

Sky’s the Limit hosts free night sky programs. If the national park isn’t holding a ranger-led night sky program during your visit, check if Sky’s the Limit is hosting one.

During these events, telescopes are set up at the observatory and you can chat with astronomers about what night sky objects they are viewing.

Learn more about the night sky programs on the FAQ page of the Sky’s the Limit website.

A dark starry sky over the top of a Joshua Tree — Photo by Ashwin Vaswani on Unsplash

Tips for Stargazing in Joshua Tree National Park

Wait one to two hours after sunset to start stargazing.
Avoid stargazing at campgrounds if you can since you may experience light pollution from other campers’ campfires and lights.
Bundle up since the temperature can drop sharply once the sun goes down.
Bring a blanket or chair to sit on and a headlamp with a red light feature to preserve your night vision.
If you have a digital camera, check out photography tips from the National Park Service.
Read more stargazing etiquette and advice from the National Park Service.

Need more help planning your trip to Joshua Tree National Park? Check out these related articles:

As always, enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Leave no trace on all of your adventures.