Most Stellar Stargazing Spots Inside Joshua Tree National Park
For those wanting to escape to a place that offers premier stargazing, look no further than Joshua Tree National Park. There's something about gazing up at the stars while surrounded by the desert landscape that makes for a really magical experience. And while our favorite place to take in the nighttime sky is without question the WKNDR x Starside (BOOK NOW), for those who are looking for an in park stargazing experience here are our three stargazing spots to check out:
1. Keys View
Keys View is one of the most popular stargazing spots in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located at an elevation of over 5,000 feet and offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. From here, you can see the lights of Palm Springs in the distance and marvel at the glittering stars above. It's important to note that this area can get crowded, so be sure to arrive early if you want to snag a prime viewing spot.
Trail Stats
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: High
Distance: .3 miles
Elevation: 13 feet
2. Jumbo Rocks
Another popular stargazing spot in Joshua Tree National Park is Jumbo Rocks. This area is known for its massive boulder formations, which make for a stunning backdrop for stargazing. If you are look for a bit of adventure before enjoying the star filled sky plan your visit to Jumbo Rocks around sunset which will give you an opportunity to play on the boulders a bit and for unbelievable golden hour photos.
Trail Stats
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: High
Distance: 1.6 miles
Elevation: 88 feet
3. Black Rock Campground
Located in the northwest corner of Joshua Tree National Park is Black Rock Campground which is another great spot for stargazing. This area is known for its dark skies and lack of light pollution, which means you'll have an unobstructed view of the stars above. There are also several hiking trails (the one shown below and we suggest exploring is the Black Rock Canyon Trail) in the area, so you can explore the park during the day and stargaze at night. This site also has drinking water and restrooms available making it a good day to night destination.
Black Rock CanyonTrail Stats
Difficulty: Medium
Popularity: Mild
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation: 465 feet
Now that you know some of our favorite places inside of Joshua Tree National Park to see the stars, make sure to read our advice HERE on the best times to visit Joshua Tree National Park for stargazing in 2023.
Get Our Map Of Where To Stay To See The Stars
The desert is a great place for stargazing, but viewing quality is affected in the higher populated areas. Get our map of the best areas for stargazing in the guide below.
