Joshua Tree National Park is known to be one of the best places in the country for stargazing and there is an abundance of places both inside and outside the park that can provide unbelievable viewing areas. Our personal favorite is the WKNDR Airbnb where you get lost in the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park’s designated dark sky from the comfort of one of our hammocks or while soaking in the fire burning cedar hot tub. No matter where you choose to stargaze from here are 3 must haves that will help maximize your stargazing experience whether it be at the WKNDR, the Sky’s The Limit Observatory (which is less than one mile from the WKNDR), or from within Joshua Tree National Park.

1. National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Night Sky

If you are new to stargazing, you may benefit from beefing up on your astronomy before arriving at Joshua Tree National Park, especially if you plan to stargaze without a docent present. We’d suggest picking up the highly recommended National Geographic Backyard Guide to the Night Sky. This is an easy-to-understand guide that provides all you need to know as a beginner stargazer. It also provides star and constellation charts and gives guidance using illustrations and photos to help you find some of those iconic stars that can only be viewed in Joshua Tree’s spectacular night skies.

2. Rechargeable Star Pointer

After you become a star expert thanks to Stargazing: Beginner’s Guide to Astronomy you will need a way to help point out the Big Dipper, North Star, etc., to your friends and families, and is why we recommend using something like a high-power green flashlight. This rechargeable and compact (5.9 in) star pointer has an impressive range and reaches several thousand meters making it easy to call out impressive constellations to your traveling companions. It also works in both daylight and at night time, however, and obviously the beam is more pronounced at night.

3. Monocular Stargazing Smartphone Telescope

While the stars are certainly beautiful and impressive to the naked eye, to truly appreciate their magic there’s nothing like looking at them up close and personal using a monocular stargazing telescope. This specific monocular stargazing telescope also comes with a smartphone adapter and tripod that makes it possible to take impressive and high-resolution images of the planets and stars that can only be witnessed in the Joshua Tree National Park night sky.

Tell us in the comments what you would add to the list.

Click here to discover the most stellar stargazing spots in Joshua Tree National Park.

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