Stargazing Near Phoenix

Best National Parks for Stargazing Near Phoenix, AZ

National parks near Phoenix, AZ ranked by stargazing quality, with drive times and distances.

Updated

Weekend Getaway (2.5 to 5 hours)

A flowering fishhook pincushion cactus

Saguaro

AZ

Very CrowdedDark Sky

149 mi -- about 2.7 hr drive

Sunset lights up the Painted Desert Inn National Historic Landmark west side.

Petrified Forest

AZ

Moderate CrowdsHidden Gem

219 mi -- about 4 hr drive

The Desert View Watchtower looms 70 feet into the air over a vast and dramatic view of the canyon.

Grand Canyon

AZ

Moderate CrowdsDark Sky

229 mi -- about 4.2 hr drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

The sun sets behind large red and white towers of sandstone.

Zion

UT

Very CrowdedDark Sky

353 mi -- about 6.4 hr drive

people climbing on boulders are silhouetted against a colorful sunset sky

Joshua Tree

CA

Moderate CrowdsDark Sky

285 mi -- about 5.2 hr drive

Snow blankets a red rock landscape of tall rock spires beneath an early morning sky

Bryce Canyon

UT

Very CrowdedDark Sky

372 mi -- about 6.8 hr drive