When you look up at the night sky, what do you see? Depending on where you are in the world, you might be able to spot more or fewer celestial objects — like stars, planets, or meteors — because of light pollution, which can drown out all but the brightest stars and satellites. To really take in the beauty of our solar system, you’ll need to visit the darkest places in the U.S. on a clear night for truly unforgettable stargazing.

DarkSky, formerly The International Dark-Sky Association, is an Arizona-based nonprofit, founded in 1988 with the mission “to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities and wildlife from light pollution.” Through its International Dark Sky Places program, the organization recognizes certain sites worldwide that use education and responsible lighting practices to preserve and protect the night sky. As of May 2024, there are 227 certified International Dark Sky Places worldwide — that’s more than 61,000 square miles of protected night skies spread over 22 countries on six continents.

These particular places were recognized because they took steps to “proactively reduce their impact on the night sky through adopting policy, conducting lighting retrofits, and undertaking outreach related to light pollution,” according to a DarkSky representative. They’re further categorized as International Dark Sky Parks, Sanctuaries, Reserves, Communities, or Urban Night Sky Places.

Here are some of our favorite DarkSky-approved stargazing spots, featuring the darkest skies in the U.S.

1. Big Bend National Park, Texas

Known for its breathtaking vistas and hiking trails, Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas, officially designated in 2012 as an International Dark Sky Park, is a beautiful place to take in the night sky. One of the most remote places in America, it’s about a six-hour drive from San Antonio and even farther from any other urban areas so you won’t have to deal with much light pollution obstructing the nighttime sky views.

2. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Spend your days exploring North America’s tallest sand dunes at this popular Colorado national park, officially deemed an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, before turning your eyes to the sky after sunset for an exceptional nighttime scene. The area’s naturally dry climate, high elevation, and little light pollution make it one of the darkest places in the U.S. and an ideal place to see the stars.

3. Glacier National Park, Montana

One of the most beautiful national parks in the country, Glacier is known for its rugged Rocky Mountains and pristine lakes. It was also designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2017, sharing the title with Waterton Lakes National Park, located just across the U.S. border in Alberta, Canada — they’re collectively titled Waterton–Glacier International Peace Park. We recommend camping overnight at one of the park’s excellent campgrounds to enjoy those beautiful sky views at night.

4. Death Valley National Park, California

See the universe stretch out above you from California’s Death Valley National Park, officially declared an International Dark Sky Park in 2013. Explore its extreme landscapes during the day on a scenic drive before watching the stars put on a show for you at night. Try to plan your visit during the Dark Sky Festival, held each spring, to meet up with fellow stargazing enthusiasts and hear astronomy talks by park rangers.

5. Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho

One of only two International Dark Sky Reserves in the U.S., the area encompasses more than 1,400 square miles of land. Central Idaho was officially declared a Dark Sky Reserve in 2017. This part of the state is known for its hiking trails and vast open wilderness, particularly in Sawtooth National Forest, home to one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the U.S. and the perfect place for a stargazing road trip.

6. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine

Located about a 90-minute drive north of Bangor, this International Dark Sky Sanctuary, declared so in 2020, is perfect for outdoor lovers, with plenty of hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities. Plan some time for a scenic drive along the Katahdin Loop Road while you’re there, and make sure you stay after sundown for great stargazing.

7. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

While Grand Canyon National Park, designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2016, is already a must-visit for its incredible vistas and stunning trails, it should also be on every stargazer’s itinerary. Could there be a more picturesque place to take in views of the night sky? We don’t think so.

8. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

One of the least-visited national parks in the country, Great Basin National Park became an International Dark Sky Park in 2016, encompassing more than 77,000 acres of stunning wilderness. Mather Overlook, situated along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, is a great place to stop and stargaze.

9. Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Officially an International Dark Sky Park since 2008, Cherry Springs State Park is set atop a 2,300-foot-high mountain, making it an ideal destination for stargazing enthusiasts in the northeast. Head to the Astronomy Observation Field for incredible 360-degree night sky views. See if you can spot the Milky Way Galaxy from one of the darkest places in the U.S. Lucky stargazers might also be able to view the elusive northern lights during the fall and winter months.

10. Stephen C. Foster State Park, Georgia

Stargazing fans in the southeast will want to head to Stephen C. Foster State Park, about an hour’s drive from Valdosta, for an incredible evening under the stars. With few nearby cities and little on-property lighting, there’s not a lot of light pollution obstructing your view of the night sky from this Georgia State Park, designated an International Sky Park in 2016.

11. Oregon Outback International Sky Sanctuary, Oregon

As of 2024, the portion of southeastern Oregon known as the Oregon Outback, largely centered around eastern Lake County, is the biggest International Sky Sanctuary in the U.S. Spend the day hiking, cycling, or viewing ancient petroglyphs left behind by the area’s Indigenous Northern Paiute people, and your nights gazing up at the stars.