This Summer, Go Star Gazing in Nevada!

With most of Nevada's population concentrated in two metropolitan areas, Las Vegas and Reno, beyond these cities light pollution is scarce and dark sky oases are abundant, especially on the outskirts of Ely, Tonopah, and Gerlach. Visitors can enjoy the sparkling night sky from a train with a glass of champagne, or for the more adventurous, head out to one of the only dark sky sanctuaries in the U.S. with absolutely zero light pollution - ideal for those tapping into a little nocturnal tourism trend this year.

Explore a National Park after dark

Great Basin National Park is one of the darkest places in Nevada, by day visitors can explore the park's alpine lakes, mountain trails, ancient bristlecone pine groves, and impressive Lehman Caves system, but stick around at night to discover why “Half the Park is After Dark.” The park's remote location lends itself to incredible stargazing opportunities all year round as Dark Sky Rangers lead visitors through stargazing in the Parks Astronomy Amphitheatre, however in September the park celebrates the Great Basin Astronomy Festival, This year it will run from 18-20th of September, the three event-packed days (and nights), include everything from star parties and constellation talks to astrophotography workshops and Art in the Dark creations, plus all events are free to attend.

All aboard the star train 

Head west from the National Park to take a ride on Ely’s famous Star Train, the historic steam locomotive runs from May to September each year (tickets start from €50 per person) and pulls out of Ely with Dark Sky Rangers from Great Basin National Park.. The rangers guide passengers through the wonders of the night sky with a special telescope for viewing the night sky. Nevada Northern Railway also offers a Sunset, Stars & Champagne Train, where guests will experience a panoramic view of an epic western sunset on a relaxing train ride above the Steptoe Valley. (tickets start from €45 per person). 

Step into a Dark Sky Sanctuary  

Northwestern Nevada’s Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area is one of the only dark sky sanctuaries in the U.S. with absolutely zero light pollution, the remote Nevada desertscape is counted amongst 17 other locations around the world as one of the darkest places on Earth. It is situated about 4.5 hours north of Reno in northern Washoe County, and lies on Nevada Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, which collaborates with Friends of Nevada Wilderness on Massacre Rim conservation efforts. There are no established campgrounds in the area, but Leave No Trace Massacre Rim camping is permitted with a 14-day maximum stay per location, four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles are required to reach the area. 

Is that a shooting star or a UFO? 

Stars aren’t the only lights drivers will see in the sky when travelling along Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway, this remote road passes closely by Area 51, so travellers should keep their eyes peeled for UFOs, satellites, and shooting stars. At one end of the highway visitors will find the town of Tonopah, where they can stay the night at the luxurious Belvada Hotel, and head out to the Tonopah Stargazing Park once night falls, the park is easy to access but offers some of the state’s best stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution from area city lights. 

Stay at the Belvada Hotel from €135 per night, entry to the stargazing park is free. Fly from London Gatwick to Las Vegas with Norse Airways from €380 return.