Flagstaff was the world's first International Dark Sky City, in 2001. The telescopes at Lowell Observatory, a private night with a guide and the lava fields of Sunset Crater are the places to see the stars.
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Where to see the starsNear O'Leary Peak, north of Flagstaff · Photo: Coconino National Forest / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain · Credits
In 2001 Flagstaff became the first International Dark Sky Place anywhere, recognized for decades of work keeping its night sky dark. It started with the astronomers on Mars Hill: in 1958 Lowell Observatory got the city to limit searchlights, the first lighting ordinance written to protect dark skies.
The rule is still the same: fully shielded lights that point down, and light only where it's needed.
Lowell is the easiest night under the stars in Flagstaff: no reservation for general admission, and the telescopes on the open deck are staffed. On a cloudy night the planetarium and exhibits still make the trip worthwhile.
Lowell needs no reservation and is 1.75 miles from downtown. The private tour comes with its own telescopes and live imaging.
Lowell Observatory
What you getTelescopes on the Giovale Open Deck, plus tours and showsCost$35 for adults, no reservation neededWhenEvery day except Tuesday until 10 pmPrivate stargazing tour
What you getAbout 2 hours with telescopes and live imaging, run by Flagstaff Stargazing AdventuresCostCall 928-683-7805WhenThe guide picks the night with the right conditionsSunset Crater
What you getTrails open day and night; the Lava Flow Trail is a 1-mile loopCost$25 per car, valid 7 days with WupatkiWhenDay and night, all yearThe darkest nights fall around the new moon. Eyes take a while to adjust, and nights are cool even in summer.
Downtown and Milton Road hotels are a short drive from Lowell, so you're back in bed soon after the telescopes close.
Photo: ExpediaBreakfast and parking freeMilton Road and NAU 9.6/10 on Expedia
Free parkingPets: dogs and cats, up to 2, up to 40 lb eachBreakfast included
A short drive from the telescopes on Mars Hill, with free parking and a hot tub for a cold night.
Hotel Monte VistaDowntown and Southside 8.0/10 on Expedia · 1,057 reviewsParking $50 a day in a nearby lot; limited spaces at the hotelNo petsBreakfast extraCheck prices
Bespoke Inn FlagstaffDowntown and Southside 9.8/10 on Expedia · 426 reviewsFree parkingPets: dogs only, up to 2Check prices
Residence Inn by Marriott FlagstaffDowntown and Southside 9.6/10 on Expedia · 1,002 reviewsParking $10 a dayPets: up to 2 petsCheck pricesIn 2001 Flagstaff became the world's first International Dark Sky City, recognized for protecting its night sky from light pollution.
Lowell Observatory for telescopes with an expert next to you, a private stargazing tour for a guided night out of town, or Sunset Crater, whose trails stay open at night.
No. General admission doesn't need a reservation; only Premium Access does.
On clear nights around the new moon. Lowell is open until 10 pm every day except Tuesday.
On a clear, moonless night away from the town lights, yes. Flagstaff has protected its night sky since becoming a Dark Sky City in 2001.
