Tonopah Stargazing Park

The dazzling lights of Las Vegas may be Nevada’s most famous international attraction, but within the Silver State, locals take particular pride in the darkness. 

Massacre Rim, a designated “Dark Sky Sanctuary” in the state’s sparsely populated northwest corner, offers one of the world’s most breathtaking views of the Milky Way—but its remote location and lack of cell service may prove challenging for hobbyist stargazers. Fortunately, Nevada offers an accessible alternative in the Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park, just off Highway 95, three hours north of Vegas in the town of Tonopah. 

According to park officials, on dark, cloudless evenings, over 7,000 stars are visible to the naked eye. Schedule your visit near a new moon, or join the crowds at one of the park’s twice-monthly “Star Parties” around the full moon and on nights when the sky is expected to be particularly dark. Stargazers are welcome to bring their own viewing equipment or borrow telescopes, binoculars, and iPads installed with skywatching apps. 

Whatever you choose, be sure to come early. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at dusk so that your car headlights don’t interfere with the main attraction. And don’t forget to pack a few warm layers: Tonopah’s desert climate may be relatively temperate during the day, but temperatures plummet after dark.