Dark Sky Places in CA

Park

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

This low desert experiences intense heat in the summer and frigid conditions in winter, although its elevation usually precludes the formation of frost.

Community

Borrego Springs, California

Surrounded by the 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the community is uniquely protected from urban lights and hosts a variety of astronomy events year-round.

Park

Death Valley National Park

While Death Valley is comprised of rugged wilderness areas and is famous for its extreme climate, the night skies above the park are as fragile as the land below.

Park

Joshua Tree National Park

national park sprawling over land that straddles the boundary of two deserts: the higher Mojave Desert and lower Colorado Desert.

Community

Julian, California

First settled by Europeans in the mid-19th century, the area experienced a “gold rush” in the 1870s after the discovery of placer gold in 1869 followed shortly thereafter by hard-rock mining claims.

Lodging

Under Canvas Yosemite

Combined with the Sierra Nevada’s elevation and low ambient light, the site offers exceptional opportunities for guests to experience clear, star-filled skies.