Posted by: Lori Reinhold

With its striking red-rock terrain, steep canyons and buttes, and vast stretches of verdant pine forest, the landscape of Sedona is one of the most vibrant and awe-inspiring in the world. However, if you don’t take the time to look up from the ground, you might miss half of Sedona's beauty. Why? Because Sedona offers incredible unobstructed views of the starry night sky. Thanks to its high altitude, dry & clear weather, and lack of light pollution, Sedona is one of the best stargazing locations in the world. In fact, the views are so fantastic that Sedona has been awarded the prestigious Dark Sky Community designation by the International Dark Sky Association, a non-profit that works to halt the spread of light-pollution and protect the majesty of the night sky.

To escape the effects of light pollution, you usually have to travel miles and miles away from civilization. One of our favorite parts of Sedona is that you can enjoy the town’s countless opportunities for art & culture by day and still enjoy beautiful views of the night sky once darkness falls. Visitors to Sedona enjoy the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the cosmos without traveling too far from the things they love: great food, great shopping, and great art.

Go With a Guide

Visitors to Sedona can take a tour of the entire universe without leaving the city limits. If you would like to explore the night sky with a little more help, we recommend you arrange an Evening Sky Tour with acclaimed tour operator Sedona Star Gazing. Their professional astronomer guides will take you on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of the cosmos where you will see awe-inspiring planets, galaxies, star clusters, constellations, and other stellar objects. Both educational and entertaining, these tours are perfect for the entire family. You’ll even get the chance to look at the stars out of a state-of-the art telescope.

For more star gazing opportunities, you can also contact Sirius Lookers, the local astronomy club. The club is open to the public and there are no membership fees. Anyone who simply wants to learn a bit more about the stars is welcome to attend. They meet the third Wednesday of every month at the Sedona Public Library and most meetings end with a little star gazing in the parking lot. Check out their website for a full calendar of events, links to helpful sites, and more informative charts and tips to help you with your viewing.

Explore on Your Own

Exploring the night sky on your own is easy. All you have to do is look up! However, here are our recommendations on the best viewing spots and stargazing trails in town.

Viewing Locations:

• Two Trees Observing Area
• The Jordan Observing Area
• Mingus Mountain Summit

Click here for detailed directions, courtesy of the Sirius Lookers.

Stargazing Trails:

• Baldwin Trailhead: This trail takes you above the silhouette of Cathedral Rock for unrivaled views of the starry night sky
• Doe Mountain: A relatively tough uphill climb along a zigzagging trail,you will be rewarded at the end with brilliant, unimpeded views
• Marg’s Draw Trailhead: Enjoy striking views of Snoopy Rock while enjoying the silence and solitude of the surrounding wilderness
• Thunder Mountain Trailhead: The entrance of this trail offers some pretty amazing 360-degree views of the city and the night sky

The stargazing in Sedona is nothing short of stellar. No matter where you go in town, we always recommend you look up. However, use this information if you really want to explore Sedona's famous night sky and learn more about the majesty of the universe above our heads. Stay up late and we promise you will be rewarded with other-worldly beauty that will leave you speechless and inspired.

Planning a trip to Sedona? Book a stay at the Alma de Sedona Inn for charming rooms, welcoming service, and incredible red rock views.