Top dark sky places
Dark Sky PlaceFlagstaff
Dark Sky PlaceSedona
Dark Sky PlaceCapitol Reef National Park
Dark Sky PlaceGrand Canyon National Park
Dark Sky PlaceArches National Park
Dark Sky PlaceBryce Canyon National Park
Dark Sky PlaceGreat Basin National Park
Dark Sky PlaceVillage of Oak Creek
Dark Sky PlaceVoyageurs National Park
Dark Sky PlaceBig Bend National Park
Dark Sky PlaceKetchum
Dark Sky PlaceBorrego Springs
Dark Sky PlaceNucla
Dark Sky PlaceSilver Cliff
Dark Sky PlaceNorwood
Dark Sky PlaceNaturita
Dark Sky PlaceBeverly Shores
Dark Sky PlaceJoshua Tree National Park
Dark Sky PlaceWaterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Dark Sky PlaceDripping Springs
Dark Sky PlaceHorseshoe Bay
Dark Sky PlaceFountain Hills
Dark Sky PlaceDeath Valley National Park
Dark Sky PlaceBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
By state
- Arizona16
- Arkansas1
- California4
- Colorado10
- Florida2
- Georgia1
- Idaho3
- Illinois2
- Indiana1
- Maine1
- Michigan1
- Minnesota1
- Montana1
- Nevada1
- New Mexico8
- Pennsylvania1
- Tennessee2
- Texas8
- Utah19
- Virginia2
- Wisconsin1
Map
How to photograph dark sky places
Certified dark sky places offer protected night skies — plan around the new moon and the Milky Way core season.
- Use the Milky Way table to find months and hours when the core is above the horizon.
- Use red light only and keep it pointed down to protect others' night vision.
- Set focus on a bright star with live-view magnification, then tape the focus ring.
- Use the NPF rule below to choose the longest exposure before stars trail.
- Many parks host star parties and night programs during summer.
Season: Milky Way core season runs roughly March to October; winter offers long nights and bright winter constellations.