Little Family Adventure

Active Family Travel and Lifestyle Website

Stargazing Joshua Tree

Complete Stargazing Joshua Tree Guide – Where to Go, Best Times, Gear & More

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature under the stars? Look no further than Joshua Tree National Park, where stargazing is a beloved pastime for locals and tourists alike. 

But with so many spots to choose from and gear to consider, it can be overwhelming to plan the perfect stargazing trip. That’s why we’ve put together a complete guide to stargazing in Joshua Tree – from the best locations to visit and times to go, to the gear you’ll need to make your first time in the park an unforgettable experience. 

This article contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

blankblank

So grab your telescope and join us as we explore the stunning night skies of Joshua Tree!

International Dark Sky Park – Joshua Tree NP

Joshua Tree National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. This means that it’s officially recognized as having exceptionally dark skies, making it one of the best places in the world to view stars. 

The surrounding communities of Joshua Tree, Yucca Valley, and Twentynine Palms on the north side of the park are also home to some of the darkest skies in the US. This makes them ideal spots for both novices and experienced stargazers alike. 

Best Times for Stargazing in Joshua Tree

When it comes to stargazing in Joshua Tree, timing really is everything! Personally, I’ve found that the best time to go on a moonless night surrounding the new moon is when the sky is at its darkest. The second best time to go to Joshua Tree for stargazing is when there is a waning crescent moon. This is still dark enough to see the stars, but allows you to see a bit of detail in the night sky. 

When it comes to timing your stargazing trip in Joshua Tree, you’ll want to avoid nights when the moon is full or waxing gibbous as the light will obscure most of the stars and make it difficult to see the stars clearly.

Winter is a great time to go, as longer nights mean more viewing hours. And if you’re really serious about your stargazing, plan your visit around the Annual Night Sky Festival (September). No matter when you go, be sure to check the moon’s phase and rise/set times to maximize your stargazing experience. Trust me, the stars are worth it!

Milky Way Night Sky in Joshua Tree

Best Joshua Tree Stargazing Spots

I was lucky enough to live about 15 minutes from the Joshua Tree National Park and visited often. I have to say that visiting on a clear night was out of this world! 

If you’re planning a trip here for some celestial sightseeing, you’ll want to know the best spots for stargazing. One of the top locations is the Black Rock Campground, where you’ll have an unobstructed view of the Milky Way. Another great spot is Cottonwood Campground, which has some of the darkest skies. 

The best roadside pullouts for stargazing in Joshua Tree are Keys View Road and Geology Tour Road. At both, you can set up a picnic and watch the stars while enjoying the views of the Colorado desert below. 

No matter where you choose to go in Joshua Tree, remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, dress for the weather, and above all else—enjoy! 

Tips for Stargazing in JTNP

As a seasoned stargazer who’s explored Joshua Tree National Park multiple times, I’ve learned a few easy tips and tricks that make the experience even more memorable. 

One of the most important things to remember is to arrive well before sunset so that you can find a good spot, set up all of your gear, and take in the stunning views before darkness descends. 

Speaking of gear, make sure to bring plenty of warm layers (even in the summer), a red flashlight (to preserve your night vision), and a comfortable chair to sit on. 

Plan to orient yourself towards the north. Palm Springs to the south of the park is full of light pollution, so be sure to venture up north for the best views.

It’s also a good idea to do some research ahead of time to find out which constellations and galaxies will be visible on the night of your visit (more on that below). Trust me, there’s nothing more awe-inspiring than gazing up at the Milky Way and feeling your place in the universe. 

blank

AllTrails is a free mobile app and website with detailed, hand-curated trail maps, along with crowd-sourced reviews and photos. With 300,000+ trails, users can filter to find the route that’s right for them.

Upgrade to the PRO version for offline maps and more.

Get the App Here

Touring Joshua Tree National Park by Night

Touring Joshua Tree National Park by night is truly unlike any experience you’ll have during the daytime. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a breathtakingly beautiful and otherworldly landscape, with the stars shining bright in the sky above. 

Campgrounds – I highly recommend camping or RVing in the park at one of the park’s nine campgrounds. The campground with the darkest skies is Cottonwood Campground. 

Driving in – If you aren’t staying in the park overnight, drive to some of the backcountry roads and pull off to stargaze. There are several roadside pullouts where you can set out your chairs and telescope to see the stars. Note that day use areas close at dusk so you can’t stop there for stargazing. 

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

milky way and Joshua tree

Essential Stargazing Gear

As I head out to explore the night sky in Joshua Tree National Park, I make sure to pack all the essential stargazing gear. 

  1. First and foremost, a good-quality telescope is a must-have for any serious stargazer. 
  2. A sturdy tripod will keep it steady even on rocky terrain. 
  3. A red light flashlight comes in handy to navigate in the dark without affecting our night vision. You can buy a red light flashlight or cover a regular flashlight with red cellophane. 
  4. Warm clothes/layers are a good idea even in the summer months. Nighttime temperatures in the high desert drop quickly. During the winter months, it is not common to have snow.
  5. Bring lightweight folding chairs to sit down on. You may get tired of standing and it is not advised to sit on the ground because cacti are abundant in this area. 
  6. A star chart, guidebook, or astronomy app for your phone is also a great addition to help locate and identify constellations in the night sky. 
  7. Lastly, I always bring snacks and water with me when I go stargazing. Most areas of the park do not have running water.

With all these essential stargazing gear in tow, we’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the vast and awe-inspiring cosmos above.

Stars to See By Season

Depending on the time of year, certain stars and constellations will be more visible than others. If you are interested in seeing certain constellations, plan your visit accordingly. 

Winter

In the winter months, Orion is visible in the night sky during the evening hours. This constellation is easily recognizable by its three-star belt and four bright stars making up the shoulders and legs. The winter sky also boasts prominent constellations such as Taurus, Gemini, Ursa Major (Big Dipper), and Canis Major. 

Spring

During springtime, the night sky features Arcturus which appears in the eastern sky. You can find Arcturus by following the arc of the handle of the Big Dipper to this bright star. You can also see Hydra ad Virgo. 

Personally, I think spring is the best season of year to visit. Daytime temperatures aren’t too hot yet, there are fewer people, and there is a chance to see the Joshua Trees and other desert flora bloom.

Summer

The Milky Way is best seen during the summer months when there is no moon. It’s most easily seen from dark locations far away from city lights. Other constellations to see include Aquila, Cygnus, Sagittarius, Scorpius, and Hercules.

In mid-August, the Perseid Meteor Shower peaks, and is often one of the most spectacular meteor showers of the year. 

Fall

Lastly, the Great Square of Pegasus is best seen in the fall. This constellation consists of four bright stars that form a square. To find it, look for the North Star, Polaris, and draw a line from it past Cassiopeia’s ‘W’ shape. You’ll see the Great Square there and once you find it, you’ll also see the Andromeda Galaxy.

Joshua Tree National Park at night with Milky Way and Stars

Night Sky Programs

Night Sky Programs are the perfect way to learn more about the stars and planets above us. The Rangers at Joshua Tree National Park Rangers offer these and other programs ideal for families to check out. They can range from stargazing basics, such as how to read a star chart and identify constellations, while others delve deeper into astronomy topics like black holes and our solar system. 

Personally, I found the Night Sky Programs to be a great way to connect with other stargazers and share our excitement about the beautiful night sky. And the best part? They’re free! So make sure to check out the park schedule and plan to attend one of these programs during your visit to this Southern California park.

Exploring the Milky Way in Joshua Tree

After sharing my essential tips and must-see spots for stargazing in Joshua Tree, I wanted to dive a little deeper into one of my favorite aspects of the night sky: the Milky Way. Exploring the Milky Way in Joshua Tree is truly magical. With the park’s wide-open skies and limited light pollution, you’ll be able to see the galaxy in all its glory. 

Of course, the best times to spot the Milky Way are during the new moon phases, when there is no moon and the night sky is at its darkest. Try heading to the east side of the park, for less light pollution and an even clearer view of the stars. 

Nighttime Photography Tips

Nighttime photography can be challenging, especially when capturing the beauty of the starry sky in Joshua Tree National Park. To take stunning nighttime photographs, it’s important to first understand the best camera settings and tools for astrophotography. 

Night-time Photography with a Camera

If you are bringing a camera (not a cell phone), here are a few tips for you.

1. Before heading to the park, you will want to focus on experimenting with different manual settings

  • Use the widest aperture possible with your lens (preferably f/2.8) when setting the aperture or f-stop. 
  • For ISO, set it as high as possible without causing the image to appear excessively grainy (ISO 1600 or higher should suffice, but this may vary depending on your camera model).
  • As for shutter speed, start with a duration of 25 seconds and adjust as needed.

2. Bring a sturdy tripod and a remote shutter release to minimize camera shake. 

3. Play with automatic settings as well, some cameras have pre-programmed modes specifically designed for night-time photography. 

5. Make sure you bring enough charged batteries and storage cards with you as well! 

6. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun and experiment! Try different angles, compositions, exposures and lighting techniques. Night-time photography can be a great way to expand your creativity. 

Night-time Photography with a Cell Phone

If you are using your cell phone camera, I recommend:

1. Using a tripod or stand for the same reasons as a camera, added stability. 

2. Turn off your flash as this could result in washed-out images. Plus bright light from a flash can cause an unexpected glare or reflection. 

3. For nighttime photography with a cell phone, switch to ‘Night Mode’ if available; this will help balance the exposure and your images should come out better. 

4. Make sure you tap the screen to focus on the subject – this is important in night-time photography as a lot of ambient light can trick your camera into thinking it’s daytime. 

5. Finally, experiment with different angles and settings to get the perfect shot! I have an iphone 14 Pro Max and love using portrait mode for some truly stunning landscape shots. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Stargazing in Joshua Tree

Years ago, when we lived very near Joshua Tree, I got a lot of questions about the park and especially visiting Joshua Tree at night. Here are some of the most common questions and their answers:

Looking up into the night sky here is nothing short of spectacular. Stargazing is one of the best things to do when you visit Joshua Tree National Park just a few hours drive from Los Angeles and San Diego. I hope you found this guide helpful and answered your questions about where to go and what best time to visit Joshua Tree for stargazing is. Happy Exploring!

For more help planning your California road trip, read:

starry sky above Joshua trees
joshua tree at night - where to go stargazing

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Don’t forget to invite your friends to our Facebook groups! We would also love to see your vacation pictures!

For more family travel inspiration, check out our latest posts here:

blank

About Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *