By Danielle Villiplana
Sedona’s certified dark skies and iconic landscapes are the perfect backdrop for unforgettable stargazing adventures.
Sedona, AZ is a little town with astronomical views—literally. As an International Dark Sky Place since 2014, it’s one of the country’s premier stargazing destinations. Sedona’s remote location in Arizona at 4,360ft and its high desert, low-humidity climate provide the ideal conditions to view the night sky with perfect clarity.
Last year’s solar eclipse and widespread Aurora Borealis displays reminded many in North America to slow down and look up at the celestial phenomena above, making astrotourism one of 2025’s hottest travel trends. In Sedona, whether you prioritize guided ranger tours, free access, or a solitary experience in Sedona’s backcountry, you don’t have to go far to see constellations. Here, five locations near town where you can catch a glimpse of the cosmos.
Why Sedona?
Arizona is known for many things—the Grand Canyon, saguaro cacti, hot springs, and of course, the stunning landscape of Sedona. This small town is conveniently located just two hours north of Phoenix, providing visitors and locals with a beautiful place to escape Arizona’s summer heat and explore the unique geology of the Mogollon Rim.
In addition to being a red rock paradise for adventurers and the spiritually-inclined, Sedona was recognized as an official Dark Sky Place by environmental nonprofit DarkSky International in 2014. These certified communities are more than just remote locales with low air pollution—they’re organized and committed to maintaining some of the world’s darkest night skies. The designation requires governments to implement specific lighting ordinances, educate residents about light pollution impacts, and maintain measurably dark skies that showcase the constellations and planets as nature intended.
5 Best Hikes for Sedona Stargazing
- Fee: $16 per person
- Hours: 6:30 – 9:30pm
Red Rock State Park is a popular stargazing location for those interested in guided astronomy programs. The park usually closes by 5:00pm, but park rangers host regular star parties with presentations, telescopes, and constellation tours after hours. If you don’t have your own equipment but want a closer view of the Milky Way, exploded stars, and distant galaxies, the ranger-led tours at Red Rock State Park are perfect for families and beginners.
Red Rock State Park is just 20 minutes away from Outbound Sedona on the west side of town. The park enforces strict lighting policies after sunset for minimal light interference and the sandstone formations block the urban glow of nearby communities. The park’s visitor center area offers expansive views of the northern sky, but the Twin Cypress picnic area provides 360-degree celestial perspective. The park also has accessible restrooms, parking, and paved walkways.
- Fee: $5 parking or Red Rock Pass
- Hours: None
Fay Canyon is a 2.1-mile roundtrip hike but it offers excellent stargazing opportunities right from the trailhead. While you can post up comfortably right at your car, it’s worth getting off the pavement and walking past the tree-lined entrance. Unlike many of the rockier trails in Sedona, the Fay Canyon trail is a soft sandy path that is perfect for laying on a blanket and relaxing beneath the shooting stars.
For those willing to venture further, the trail leads to an overlook about one mile in. The overlook has an elevated, secluded viewing position between the canyon walls—and usually fewer people than the trailhead. The canyon’s orientation and geological features make it particularly effective at blocking artificial light sources while maintaining clear views of the overhead sky.
Fay Canyon is located 23 minutes from Outbound Sedona up Dry Creek and Boynton Pass Roads. The road is paved the entire way, making it an easy way to get away from city lights and access Sedona’s backcountry.
- Fee: Free
- Hours: None
Two Trees Observation Area is an open field with low vegetation and a stunning view of the night sky and Mogollon Rim on the West Sedona Plateau. Given its excellent view and distance from the city lights, it’s a popular destination for photographers and observers alike for Sedona stargazing. Entrance is free and the location is easily accessible: just pull into the field, turn off your ignition, and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. The view of the sky is so good at Two Trees that it serves as the regular meeting spot for the Sirius Lookers and the Astronomers of Verde Valley, Sedona’s local astronomy associations (who sometimes host public events as well).
Two Trees is a little farther outside of town than the other sites but it is still only a quick 20 minute drive from Outbound Sedona on Highway 89A. The distance from town reduces light pollution, making it well worth the drive. It sits near the intersection of Forest Road 525A and Forest Road 761B just off 89A, roughly 12 miles west of Outbound Sedona. Google Maps will only take you to the intersection, so be sure to enter “Astronomers of Verde Valley” instead of “Two Trees”.
- Fee: Free
- Hours: None
Those looking for a more off-the-beaten-path astronomy experience will enjoy a trip into Sedona’s backcountry. Dry Creek Road is a popular and scenic 4×4 route that starts right from West Sedona and turns into a dirt road after 2 miles. As of 2024, there is no parking on the roadsides near town, but you’ll find better views and less light pollution as you drive further from town and gain elevation. Conditions may vary by season but the road does typically require 4×4 and high clearance vehicles.
There is no entry fee to access Dry Creek Road and there are no specific designated Sedona stargazing spots along this route. Devil’s Bridge and Brins Mesa trailheads are two of the closest viewing locations on the road and there are plenty of roadside pullouts and other trailheads to choose from. Locals recommend pulling off on the road and sitting on your car hood at whichever spot catches your eye.
- Fee: $15 per car or Red Rock Pass
- Hours: None
The Aerie Trail is best known as a mountain biking trail during the day, but at night it becomes a great place to log some steps and gaze at the stars. At 5.2 miles it’s a bit long to recommend as a proper nighttime hike, but its West Sedona location and proximity to Doe Mountain and Fay Canyon make this a particularly great spot for astrophotographers looking to capture the celestial skies and Sedona’s iconic red sandstone formations in one frame.
To access the parking lot—a great stargazing destination in its own right—follow Boynton Pass Road to Aerie Road, at the end of which you will find the Aerie Trailhead.
Planning Your Stargazing Visit
Sedona has nearly 300 clear days annually and the constellations shine all year long. The southwestern states do have a monsoon season in July and August, though, so astrotourists should consider visiting outside of those two months for the best viewing experience. Consider traveling in early summer or early fall to catch the Milky Way at its brightest.
If you just plan on observing from your car, new moon periods offer the darkest skies. Those who plan to hike a little may appreciate quarter moon phases, which provide a little more illumination for safer trail navigation without overwhelming faint celestial objects.
Be sure to pick up a Red Rocks Pass to visit some of these locations—it will be cheaper than paying cash at each trailhead. Bring red flashlights or headlamps to preserve your night vision. And don’t forget that Sedona may be a desert, but it’s still high elevation. You’ll need warm clothing after sunset. Bring along a blanket and some camp chairs while you’re at it for a truly cozy and unforgettable experience beneath some of America’s most pristine night skies.
