Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Stargazing at Black Canyon
Photo by Joyce Tanihara
The park has exceptional opportunities to view night skies, as well as astronomy and telescope viewing programs scheduled throughout the summer. Check the park calendar for upcoming programs.
The park does not close and allows for night sky viewing at all hours. Overlooks that are far from the road are shielded from the light of passing cars. These locations are great for stargazing, using a personal telescope, or for astrophotography:
- Chasm View Overlook (South Rim)
- Dragon Point Overlook (South Rim)
- Sunset View Overlook (South Rim)
- Chasm View Nature Trail (North Rim)
- Kneeling Camel Overlook (North Rim)
Areas at the bottom of the canyon, like East Portal, are suitable for viewing, but the amount of visible sky will be reduced.
For all nighttime activities in the park, red light-equipped headlamps or flashlights are best to help preserve night vision and reduce light pollution.
Details
Activity
Stargazing
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Leashed pets are permitted in picnic areas, campgrounds, and parking lots, on paths to overlooks, and along roads currently open to vehicles. Leashes must be a maximum of six feet (1.8 m) in length.
Leashed pets are only permitted on the Rim Rock Trail and on the North Rim Chasm View Nature Trail.
Pets are prohibited on all other hiking trails, inner canyon routes, within the wilderness, or on snowshoe/cross country skiing trails.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Various Overlooks
Overlooks that are far from the road are shielded from the light of passing cars. These locations are great for stargazing, using a personal telescope, or for astrophotography:
- Chasm View Overlook (South Rim)
- Dragon Point Overlook (South Rim)
- Sunset View Overlook (South Rim)
- Chasm View Nature Trail (North Rim)
- Kneeling Camel Overlook (North Rim)
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Night
Accessibility Information
South Rim Visitor Center and some overlooks have designated accessible spaces. Other parking lots do not have designated spaces. Parking options may be sloped, narrow, or unpaved at those locations.
Telescope viewing programs may be accessible depending on the location. For programs offered at the South Rim Campground amphitheater, wheelchairs require assistance due to the steep grade of the path from the campground.
Use of red light-equipped headlamps and flashlights may be difficult for those with blind/low vision or physical/mobility accessibility needs.
Telescope viewing programs may be accessible depending on the location. For programs offered at the South Rim Campground amphitheater, wheelchairs require assistance due to the steep grade of the path from the campground.
Use of red light-equipped headlamps and flashlights may be difficult for those with blind/low vision or physical/mobility accessibility needs.