Stargazing in Yellowstone National Park

The oldest national park is a magical place to see star-studded skies. In Yellowstone National Park, visitors expect to encounter bison, bighorn sheep, elk, and other animals, but one sight always surprises travelers: the star-studded skies. Simply look up at night to experience a dazzling display of constellations, planets, and nebulae normally invisible to urban dwellers because of their cities’ light pollution.

“Yellowstone National Park is a good place for star-gazing because there are no large population centers nearby. When visitors get a little bit away from the lodges, people are always amazed by the amount of stars they see,” says Leslie Quinn, an interpretive specialist at Yellowstone.

Although guests literally get an eyeful without equipment, binoculars sharpen the focus, revealing lesser stars and even craters on the moon.

Areas with wide-open spaces that receive little vehicular traffic provide the best views. Quinn advises night sky gazers to use a flashlight to sweep the parking lot, pull-out, or walkway for animals before getting out of a car and to make some noise so that animals will likely stay away.

Be sure to bring snacks, water, flashlights (with a red light), and warm clothing, as temperatures on summer and spring nights can hover in the 30s Fahrenheit, dip into the 20s in fall, and plunge to 0 degrees or lower in winter.

“It’s marvelous to see the stars, to see light that has taken thousands of years to reach us,” says Quinn. “I renew and refine my sense of wonder anytime I can look at the night sky.”

Old Faithful Geyser erupting on a clear winter night.

Great Spots for Stargazing

Drives

Firehole Lake Drive, a 3-mile, one-way road off of Yellowstone’s Grand Loop, is easily accessible but away from main areas.

Mount Washburn’s peak, one of the highest points in the park, reaches 10,243 feet. Stargazers can drive to Dunraven Pass, which at 8,859 feet rates as the highest road in Yellowstone, one that provides wide expanses of sky. Be mindful that you will be driving up and down a mountain road in the dark.

Just outside the North Entrance to the park, in the town of Gardiner, MT is the famous Roosevelt Arch. Even though there is some light from the town, on clear nights you can pull over and gaze at the Milky Way rising behind the arch, making for a fantastic night photography spot.

Walks & Hikes

Upper Geyser Basin, located near Old Faithful, offers boardwalks and broad views of the skies while being near the lodges.

Mammoth Hot Springs, near the park’s north entrance, also offers boardwalks and great views of the sky.

Expert hikers can climb the trails to Mount Washburn’s peak by day. Access the hiking trails from Dunraven Pass on Grand Loop Road or Chittenden Road.

Be cautious walking at night as the paths are not illuminated. Carry a flashlight and always stay on the path or boardwalk.  

Castle Geyser erupts against the night sky.

Organized Stargazing Tours & Packages

Check out the  NPS Ranger Programs for evening talks during the summer, or stop by the nearest NPS Visitor Center to find out when and where the next program is taking place.

In winter, our Steam, Stars and Winter Soundscapes is a 2-hour evening adventure that brings the magic of winter nights in Yellowstone to life. Traverse roads in the park’s iconic snow coaches, getting out at various points to listen to the geysers, witness the brilliant night sky, and maybe even catch sight of an icicle-covered bison.

If you’re serious about dark skies, the Yellowstone Stargazing Package belongs on your radar. This 3-night, 4-day package pairs guided wildlife excursions through Lamar Valley with stargazing sessions led by a certified astronomer with high-powered telescopes. Lodging, all meals, in-park transportation, and gratuities are included, with sessions limited to just 13 guests. The package runs October through December.

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