Sedona.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Sedona, AZ. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Sedona
- Top Community Pick: Red Rock State Park (~2.0 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at NPOI at Anderson Mesa
- Local Experts: Astronomers of Verde Valley
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Sedona, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Red Rock State Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at NPOI at Anderson Mesa provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. The local landscape of Sedona offers several pockets of darkness that are perfect for deep-sky observation.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Sedona
For the best results in Sedona, 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 Sedona Observers
When visiting Red Rock State Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters at this spot. 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.
Arizona Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Red Rock State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Fay Canyon Trail Head
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
VOC Community Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Old Town Activity Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Beaverhead Flats Trailhead
" 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.
NPOI at Anderson Mesa
Lowell Observatory
"Site located just north of NPOI on Anderson Mesa, on 2 track dirt road near the snow fence, south of Prime Lake. Sky perfectly cloudless, low inversion (smoke?) layer observed over Flagstaff, very subtle. Visibility good, about 80 miles, slight haze, dead calm, cool. Zodiacal light in first set overlaps Flagstaff, virtually absent from 3rd set. Zodiacal band not observed, gegenschein lost in Milky Way. Considerable detail in summer Milky Way, two dust lanes observed to Antares. Almost no airglow, sky very dark at zenith. 6.9 ZLM with difficulty, observer's eyes strained, dark adaptation not complete. Flagstaff light dome degrades night vision, must be blocked, illuminates landscape slightly."
West parking lot
USNO Flagstaff Station
"Glow of Flagstaff extends to at least ZA 30, probably over the zenith but able to reach 7.1 visual limiting magnitude. Transparency excellent, seeing very good. Trees and buildings block horizon somewhat. Bright part of the Flagstaff light dome barely affects night vision. Phoenix/Prescott shows broad low light dome to south, but fairly bright at its core. Detail in the Milky Way excellent after it rises out of the glow of Flagstaff."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.