One of the biggest benefits to Sedona being so far north of Phoenix is the lack of big lights. Sedona and the surrounding communities truly appreciate being able to look up at the stars every night and gaze upon the beauty of the cosmos. You cannot find such experiences further south in Arizona. Here is how you can enjoy a Sedona stargazing tour experience:
When to Stargaze in Sedona
Sedona is perfect for stargazing at almost any time of the year. The only season of the year where it can be difficult to see clear skies is around July and August. Arizona gets hit by “monsoon season” every year during this time and with it comes big storms. While native Arizonans love the rain, it can make it difficult to look up at the stars. However, the remainder of the year is incredible, with Sedona being named one of the best stargazing destinations in the country.
What to Bring
Be sure to bring a comfortable blanket and a flashlight along with you. You may also want to carry some insect repellent. The desert is cold at night, so you may need to bring a jacket. As with any nighttime outing, you should bring your cell phone along for safety reasons.
Best Place to Star Gaze Near Sedona
Finding the right spot in Sedona will make it even easier to enjoy an evening of Sedona star gazing. Here are our favorite spots to enjoy:
Beaverhead Flat Scenic Overlook
This little-known spot is perfect for stargazing. Simply Take State Route 179 and exit at Beaverhead Flat Road, then drive one mile west.
Dry Creek Road
This road is very far away from the city lights. You will find several parking lots along the way along with various small trailheads. You can park the car and simply sit on the hood and gaze up at the stars or you can park along the side of the road. You will find Dry Creek Road in West Sedona.
Aerie Trailhead
If you drive down to the very end of Boynton Pass Road, you will find this loop trail that is used predominantly by mountain bikers during the day. It is far too long for a night hike. However, the parking lot is very dark, and you will be able to see the stars here. It is a popular place with tourists, so don’t be surprised if you find a few other cars here.
Fay Canyon
You will find the Fay Canyon Trailhead on Boynton Pass Road. You can park in the lot and take a night hike on a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail, or you can just park at The Overlook which is about one mile in. There are not many people here at night, so if you do not want to go for a hike, you can just walk for a few feet onto the trail. You will be able to see all the stars in this secluded area.
Two Trees Observation Area
At the intersection of Forest Road 525A and Forest Road 761B just off State Highway 89A, you can find the Two Trees Observation Area. While the area may simply be a field, it is where the Sirius Lookers, Sedona’s own astronomy association, comes for their stargazing. You will be in good company; these stargazers know just what to look out for.
Jordan Trailhead Observation Area
The Sirius Lookers also frequent the Jordan Trailhead Observation Area. This trailhead is located at the end of the West Park Ridge Drive. This dirt road is easy enough to pass through by car and will take you to a large field where you can easily gaze upon the stars for hours.
Baldwin Trail
You must enter this trail through the town of Oak Creek. It is rather busy and noisy during the day, but at night it is the perfect place to see the stars. It is a 1.6-mile loop trail with many spots to the side of the trail where you can sit down and look up at the stars. You will find the trailhead just after Turkey Creek Trailhead on Verde Valley School Road. There is a small parking lot which should be pretty empty at night.
Merry Go Round Rock
If you want to escape the few lights found around Sedona, make your way up to Merry Go Round Rock. This viewing area can be found around Schnebly Hill Road and is up in the mountains. Make sure to bring a flashlight to help you navigate your way to the viewing area. This is the best place to stargaze near Sedona!
More to View in Sedona
These incredible viewing areas will make it easy for you to see the amazing stars up in the sky. Come see why Sedona is a top stargazing destination when you reserve one of our Sedona villas in the area. Learn more about us today! Call us today. Book one of our Village of Oak Creek rentals now!
