Stargaze at Joyner Ridge

Joyner Ridge offers wide open views of the cosmos.

NPS photo

Experience pristine night skies filled with stars at Devils Tower National Monument. Joyner Ridge offers wide open spaces with convenient parking, fantastic views of the Tower, and little light pollution. This is the perfect place to set up a telescope, photograph the night sky with Devils Tower, or simply look up.  

As darkness falls on Devils Tower, a different kind of light illuminates the night sky. That light comes from objects in deep space, and transforms the night from a place of darkness into a place of wonder. 

The night sky inspires human lives too. Oral histories about the Tower incorporate tribal star knowledge. Astronomers and night sky photographers seek out the darkness of parks like Devils Tower National Monument, islands of night in an ever-brighter world. What inspiration can you find as you enjoy the darker side of the first national monument? 

Know Before You Go 

• Check the weather and night sky forecast  
• Bring layers and flashlights (preferably low light or red light) with you 
• Bring water and snacks 
• There are no restrooms at Joyner Ridge. Closest restrooms are near the visitor center. 
• Camping or parking overnight is not allowed at Joyner Ridge. 
• Leashed pets are allowed in the parking lot and road, but not beyond those points. 

Details

Activity

Stargazing

Age(s)

All ages, but small children should be with guardians. 

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Yes – with restrictions. Pets on leash are allowed in the Joyner Ridge parking area, but not beyond that point. 

Activity Fee

No

Park entry fees are required. 

Location

Joyner Ridge

From the park entrance station, take the park road about 2 miles, then turn left onto the gravel road. There is a sign just before the intersection for Joyner Ridge. Take the gravel road about 0.3 miles, then turn right into the small gravel parking area. Joyner Ridge trail leaves from here. RVs and motorcycles are not recommended on the gravel road. 

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Spring: Early spring is a great time for catching last glimpses of winter constellations. 

Summer: Sunset is much later in the evening. The Milky Way will be overhead closer to midnight. 

Winter: Sunset is earlier, but the temperature is much colder. 

Fall: Early fall is a great time to see the Milky way overhead just after sunset. 

Time of Day

Night, Dusk

If you are new to stargazing, arrive at dusk and watch the stars appear one by one. The earliest stars make up the more familiar constellations. 

Accessibility Information

The Joyner Ridge parking area is unpaved gravel, but fairly level. The trail up to Joyner Ridge or out into the prairie is primitive and not ADA accessible.