Stargazing Nevada’s dark skies

With most of Nevada’s population concentrated in two metropolitan areas, Las Vegas and Reno, elsewhere light pollution is scarce and dark sky oases are abundant.

This is especially true on the outskirts of Ely, Tonopah, and Gerlach.

Visitors can gaze at the sparkling night sky from a train with a glass of champagne, or for the more adventurous, head out to one of the only dark sky sanctuaries in the U.S. with absolutely zero light pollution.

Explore a National Park after dark

Great Basin National Park is one of the darkest places in Nevada, by day visitors can explore the park’s alpine lakes, mountain trails, and impressive Lehman Caves system, but stick around at night to discover why ‘Half the Park is After Dark.’ The park’s remote location lends itself to incredible stargazing opportunities all year round as Dark Sky Rangers lead visitors through stargazing in the Parks Astronomy Amphitheatre. In September the park celebrates the Great Basin Astronomy Festival, This year it will run from September 18-20, for three event-packed days (and nights), include everything from star parties and constellation talks to astrophotography workshops and Art in the Dark creations. All events are free to attend.

The Star Train 

Head west from the National Park to take a ride on Ely’s famous Star Train, the historic steam locomotive runs from May to September each year and pulls out of Ely with Dark Sky Rangers from Great Basin National Park. The rangers guide passengers through the wonders of the night sky with a special telescope for viewing. Nevada Northern Railway also offers a Sunset, Stars & Champagne Train, where guests will experience a panoramic view of an epic western sunset on a relaxing train ride above the Steptoe Valley.

Dark Sky Sanctuary  

Northwestern Nevada’s Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area is one of the only dark sky sanctuaries in the US with absolutely zero light pollution. The remote Nevada desertscape is counted among 17 other locations around the world as one of the darkest places on Earth. It is situated about 4.5 hours north of Reno in northern Washoe County, and lies on Nevada Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, which collaborates with Friends of Nevada Wilderness on Massacre Rim conservation efforts. There are no established campgrounds in the area, but Leave No Trace Massacre Rim camping is permitted with a 14-day maximum stay per location. Four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles are required to reach the area.

A shooting star or a UFO? 

Stars aren’t the only lights drivers will see in the sky when travelling along Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway. This remote road passes closely by Area 51, so travelers should keep their eyes peeled for UFOs, satellites, and shooting stars. At one end of the highway visitors will find the town of Tonopah, where they can stay the night at the luxurious Belvada Hotel, and head out to the Tonopah Stargazing Park once night falls. The park is easy to access but offers some of the state’s best stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution.

Stay at the Belvada Hotel from £125 per night, entry to the stargazing park is free. Fly from London Gatwick to Las Vegas with Norse Airways from £360 return. 

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