Billings.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Billings, MT. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Billings
- Top Community Pick: Pictograph State Park (~2.7 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Devil Canyon Overlook
- Local Experts: Yellowstone Valley Astronomy Association
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Stargazing in Billings is surprisingly rewarding if you know exactly where to set up your tripod. While enthusiasts often gather at Pictograph State Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Devil Canyon Overlook provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. The local landscape of Billings offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Billings
For the best results in Billings, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.
Expert Tips for Billings Observers
When visiting Pictograph State Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. For the best views here, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.
Montana Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Pictograph State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Pompeys Pillar National Monument
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Billings Public Library
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Cooney State Park - Red Lodge Camp Ground
" {'Please check with the Camp Ground host for location or watch for signs.'} "
Randy Begger's House
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Devil Canyon Overlook
Bighorn Canyon NRA
"Clear skies, aside from some low clouds on the northern horizon, which mostly cleared out by 9:00 pm local time. Excellent site along the canyon rim with a direct view down into the town of Lovell. Another night of high airglow similar to the previous night at DETO. Milky Way overhead, but fine detail somewhat washed out toward the horizon and in the Sagitarrius star cloud by the airglow. Prancing Horse barely visible. Daytime visibilty slightly impaired by agricultural burning in the Big Horn Valley. The Devil Canyon Overlook is a great spot for observing the night sky or astrophotography. The Horseshoe Bend Campground is even more protected by terrain from the direct glare of Lovell."
Calhoun Hill
Little Bighorn Battlefield NM
"Clear night with fair transparency above 20 degrees. Haze visible along the horizon. Seeing fair. Local light from the reservation was direct glare, while the light dome from Hardin was the largest. Billings and Sheridan light domes visible but not bright. Overall the direct glare was distracting, but blocking this allowed for dark adaptation. Milky Way was easily seen with detail in sagittarius, and dust lanes. Visible from tail of Scorpius in South to Cassiopeia. SQM 21.64 at 0130; SQM-L 21.63 at 0152."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Teton County
Teton County, Wyoming, lies at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the contiguous United States.
Jackson Hole Airport
Teton County, Wyoming, lies at the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the largest intact ecosystem in the contiguous United States.
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.