The Best Places to See the Milky Way in the US

The United States presents some of the finest places in the globe to view the Milky Way. With over 65 Dark Sky Parks across the country, opportunities to spend an evening under a deeply starry night sky are inexhaustible.

Beyond the darkness, the US also presents the most diverse landscapes worldwide; deserts, mountains, canyons, volcanoes, natural formations, alpine lakes, badlands… therefore the query is; with so many options, what is the premier location to observe the Milky Way in the US?

This list highlights unforgettable opportunities for observing the night sky.

Essentially, these are the prime places to view the Milky Way in the US:

1. Death Valley National Park, California

Death Valley is the most expansive National Park in the lower 48 and the largest dark-sky sanctuary in the country. For many of the reasons that you will see below, it is also the best place to see the Milky Way in California.

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Here you can see the Milky Way rising over some otherworldly locations, such as the salty polygons at Badwater Basin in the lowest point of North America, the endless sand dunes at Mesquite, Ibex, or Eureka, badlands at Zabriskie Point, and many other landmarks like mud cracks, cotton balls, old mining towns, etc.

When to venture: To perceive the Milky Way in Death Valley at its finest, go during the Milky Way period from March to early May. After that, temperatures escalate exponentially (Death Valley is also one of the hottest spots on Earth), so don’t even try during the late spring or summer! + info on our Death Valley visiting guide.

Photographer? You can also learn how to capture the Milky Way in Death Valley with professional astrophotographers in our Death Valley astrophotography workshop!

2. Arches National Park, Utah

In the high desert of Utah, you can observe everything from colossal natural arches and Martian rock formations to canyons and majestic landscapes.

Arches National Park is a high-desert plateau located above other sources of illumination pollution, where you can relish suitable circumstances for stargazing and astrophotography. There are numerous services near Arches in the community of Moab, and also fantastic opportunities to extend your trip and pay a visit to Canyonlands National Park and Deadhorse Point State Park.

Some of my preferred locations to view the Milky Way in Arches are Balanced Rock, the Windows, and the renowned Delicate Arch. There are additional great sites in this state, but Arches is undoubtedly the best place to see the Milky Way in Utah.

When to visit: Arches is a great destination throughout the entire Milky Way season from March to September. However, my suggestion is to go in April-May when crowds are less or in September with warmer temperatures.

Photographer? Join our Utah astrophotography workshops to capture shots of the Milky Way in Arches & Canyonlands National Parks!

3. Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

The Vermillion Cliffs National Monument in Northern Arizona is a remote and unspoiled dark-sky treasure. Found at higher elevations ranging from 3,000-7,000 ft, far removed from sources of light pollution, and surrounded by some of the most spectacular geological structures in the world, it`s the optimal location in Arizona to observe the Milky Way.

This far reaching area is split into many diverse segments, some necessitating long 4WD rides solely for the adventurous. However, there are other elements more accessible where you can simply drive your automobile and enjoy a night below the stars.

My favorite places to view the Milky Way in Vermillion Cliffs are White Pocket and Coyote Buttes South (permit required). Take a high-clearance 4WD automobile to drive to those locations!

When is best: These remote areas don`t attract large crowds. Summer presents warmer temperatures and the peak of the Milky Way season!

Photographer? Be certain to obtain authorization to photograph Coyote Buttes South, you won’t be let down!

4. Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, Oregon

Most individuals agree that the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor represents the most spectacular stretch of coastline in the country. The good news is that it’s also one of the finest places to observe the Milky Way in the US!

Be prepared to encounter secluded beaches, photogenically photogenic sea stacks, and epic viewpoints, all with our Milky Way Galaxy perfectly aligned in the Southern Sky. This area is readily accessible from Brookings, Oregon, and even though it’s not an officially designated dark-sky park, it represents one of the best locations to observe the Milky Way in Oregon.

When to visit: With storms and fires, weather can be harsh in the Pacific Northwest. Our recommendation is to explore this area in early summer when conditions are usually the best.

Photographer? Stay Tuned because we are arranging a Capture the Atlas Photo Tourhere in June 2023. You can subscribe to our newsletter here to receive all the particulars once it’s ready!

Also, if you are interested in photographing the Milky Way, I strongly advise downloading our Milky Way Calendars where you can see the optimum days of the year to see the Milky Way at a glance!

5. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is renowned as “The Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast” for good reason; here you can enjoy the most stunning rocky shorelines, coves, and scenic overlooks on the entire East Coast of the United States.

However, the real magic in Acadia starts at night, when the Milky Way illuminates the dark sky clearly revealing our galaxy with the naked eye!

Some extraordinary locales to view the Milky Way in Acadia include Bubble Rock overlook, Otter Point, and the entire eastern coastline.

When planning a visit to appreciate the night sky: Clouded and humid conditions are more frequent in this area, but scheduling for September will increase chances of experiencing an amazing night under dazzling stars!

Photographer? Capture the Milky Way with us on our September Acadia Astrophotography workshop!

6. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Arizona

If your aim is to blend vast desert panoramas with culture and epic night skies, Monument Valley is your location!

This Park lies in Navajo Nation Lands, and the main landmarks are the enormous buttes that have been featured in so many westerns and classic films. However, beyond the typical panoramic view, you can venture into the wilderness of Monument Valley (always with a Navajo guide) to see the Milky Way over photogenic rock formations, natural arches, and petroglyphs, while learning more about the Navajo culture.

When to visit: Plan your visit to the park in spring when conditions favor clearer skies. Summers are intensely hot and monsoon season arrives, so avoid that period if your goal involves star-gazing or astrophotography.

Photographer? We are organizing a Capture the Atlas Photo Tour in Monument Valley in May 2023. Stay updated for additional details in our newsletter!

7. Adirondack Mountains, New York

The Adirondacks in Upstate New York is a dark-sky sanctuary in the midst of the heavy pollution of the US East Coast.

This area features some spectacular lakes, peaks, and vistas with excellent conditions to observe and photograph the Milky Way galaxy. It’s also a hiking haven, and there are great rewards for those eager to push themselves further with amazing isolated lakes where you can see our galaxy reflected in the water.

When to visit: The end of summer is a great time for stargazing in the Adirondacks. You can also go to this area during the summer but be sure to have insect repellent if you plan to photograph around the lakes.

Photographer? You can see some great examples of Milky Way images in the Adirondacks in my astrophotography gallery.

8. Waimea Canyon, Kauai

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These islands are located in a remote area of the Pacific Ocean away from artificial light, and their volcanic origins give them the perfect elevation to enjoy nights of otherworldly beauty seeing the Milky Way.

Waimea Canyon, located on the island of Kauai distant from the most populous islands, is one of the ideal places to witness our Milky Way in the US. If visiting Maui or the Big Island, Haleakala National Park and Mauna Kea are additionally fitting for astro.

When to visit: Go to Kauai amid the dry Milky Way season, that is, from April to September.

Photography enthusiast? In addition to nighttime shots, don’t miss the chance to go on a scenic photo tour flying along the spectacular Napali Coast of Kauai if you visit the island!

9. Bisti Badlands, New Mexico

The Bisti Badlands, (aka Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area) is a vast landscape that provides the best otherworldly landscapes to see the Milky Way in the US.

One should anticipate witnessing a fantasy realm filled with impossible rock formations, structures referred to as hoodoos, and canyons, with some of the darkest night skies in the country. This remote high desert wilderness locale is situated in an area where a four-wheel drive vehicle is advised, so be certain not to visit this area alone.

When to go: Anytime during the summer Milky Way season from late June to early September is great for stargazing in this area of New Mexico.

Photographer? If planning to explore the night sky alone, considering a guided Navajo tour for stargazing can be a wise choice.

10. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California

The oldest known living being on Earth is the bristlecone pine that grows peacefully in the remote California`s White Mountains. They live in very harsh conditions with extreme cold and wind over 10,000 feet high. This has made their wood dense and sturdy to live longer than other trees.

Being situated at such a great altitude makes the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest another superb place to view the Milky Way in the US. There are two primary areas to see these trees; the Schulman Grove, where access is convenient and a visitor center is available, and the more photogenic Patriarch Grove which necessitates a 4WD vehicle and more planning to spend the night.

When to visit: The climate can be extreme in the white mountains. The road to the grove is open from late May to October. The best time to see the Milky Way in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is from mid-June to mid-September.

Photographer? Besides the Bristlecones, you can also photograph the Milky Way in other spectacular places in the area like Mono Lake or the Alabama Hills. You are able to join us in our Alabama Hills astrophotography workshop to capture the magic of the California Eastern Sierra at night!

Other great places to see the Milky Way in the USA

There are many more fantastic locations to view the Milky Way in the United States, including:

• • The Outer Banks, North Carolina
  • The Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
  • Big Bend National Park, Texas
  • Everglades National Park, Florida
  • Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 
  • Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
  • Yellowstone National Park, Montana
  • San Juan Mountains, Colorado
  • Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
  • Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

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Finally, if you want to find the best locations to see the Milky Way in the US near you, I highly recommend checking our where to see the Milky Way article where you’ll find the details to discover those dark-sky gems in your location!

If interested in developing and improving your night photography skills, I highly recommend checking my Milky Way photography instruction as well as our astrophotography workshops & tours!