Last updated: November 22, 2023
Thing to Do
View the Night Sky
NPS
Have you ever seen the Milky Way stretch all the way across the sky? Or spotted a neighboring galaxy with only your eyes? Big Bend National Park works hard to preserve our dark nights and keep these opportunities available for all. Darkness is a disappearing natural resource in many areas, but here you can experience the desert come alive after nightfall.
Check the weather forecast, find a comfortable spot, bring your binoculars if you have them, a blanket if you want, a red light, and maybe a star chart, and look up.
Download monthly star charts. We recommend reading them using a red flashlight or headlamp. Red lighting doesn't interfere with your night vision and will make stargazing much more enjoyable and safer than white lighting. Try star hopping - start with a familiar star or constellation, and learn how it points or guides you to something else. For example, from the Big Dipper you can arc to Arcturus, and from there you can speed on to Spica.
Heavens Above has a database of visible satellites you might spot.
Check the weather forecast, find a comfortable spot, bring your binoculars if you have them, a blanket if you want, a red light, and maybe a star chart, and look up.
Download monthly star charts. We recommend reading them using a red flashlight or headlamp. Red lighting doesn't interfere with your night vision and will make stargazing much more enjoyable and safer than white lighting. Try star hopping - start with a familiar star or constellation, and learn how it points or guides you to something else. For example, from the Big Dipper you can arc to Arcturus, and from there you can speed on to Spica.
Heavens Above has a database of visible satellites you might spot.
Details
Activity
Astronomy
Check the weather forecast, find a comfortable spot, bring your binoculars if you have them, a blanket if you want, a red light, and maybe a star chart, and look up.
Monthly printable star charts are available here. We recommend reading them using a red flashlight or headlamp. Red lighting doesn't interfere with your night vision and will make stargazing much more enjoyable and safer than white lighting. Try star hopping - start with a familiar star or constellation, and learn how it points or guides you to something else. For example, from the Big Dipper you can arc to Arcturus, and from there you can speed on to Spica.
Clear Dark Sky provides an astronomer's forecast for dark skies. Heavens Above has a database of visible satellites you might spot.
Monthly printable star charts are available here. We recommend reading them using a red flashlight or headlamp. Red lighting doesn't interfere with your night vision and will make stargazing much more enjoyable and safer than white lighting. Try star hopping - start with a familiar star or constellation, and learn how it points or guides you to something else. For example, from the Big Dipper you can arc to Arcturus, and from there you can speed on to Spica.
Clear Dark Sky provides an astronomer's forecast for dark skies. Heavens Above has a database of visible satellites you might spot.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed along paved roads. They are not allowed on trails.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Big Bend National Park
There are amazing opportunities for stargazing throughout all of Big Bend National Park. Just look for a dark spot with an open view of the horizon. Some ranger recommendations include:
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit
Sotol Vista overlook on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
The Rio Grande overlook
Dugout Wells
most backcountry campsites
The Fossil Discovery Exhibit
Sotol Vista overlook on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
The Rio Grande overlook
Dugout Wells
most backcountry campsites
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Night, Dusk
Accessibility Information
Many stargazing opportunities exist right off paved roads within the park. Service animals are allowed.