Arizona is known by outdoor enthusiasts for many unique things but few are more majestic than its dark skies and excellent stargazing. Associations and clubs hold stargazing events frequently, and often in partnership with parks many Arizona recreationists already know and love.
From star parties in Grand Canyon National Park to Full-Moon Hikes at your nearest county-run trail park, here are some of the most exciting astronomy gatherings taking place in June around the state.
Remember that stargazing success hinges on cooperative weather – check local forecasts and event host webpages for updates before heading out for night-sky viewing.
National Park Service
The National Park Service’s monuments and parks are some of the most renowned in the world, so naturally their programming and events are also among the best in their categories. These Arizona sites are holding night-sky gatherings in June 2024.
Grand Canyon’s 34th Annual Star Party
Saturday, June 1 starting at 8 p.m. through Saturday June 8. North Rim presentations begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the event is included in visitors’ park entrance fee and is otherwise free of charge.
The 34th installment of the Grand Canyon’s evening of stargazing will take place on both rims of the Grand Canyon and promise a celebration of dark skies and celestial awe. This event extends over an entire week, offering presentations in the Visitor Center Theater from guest speakers, free telescope viewing, and green-laser constellation tours. See the lineup of activities planned for the Grand Canyon Star Party 2024 here.
Stargazing at Horseshoe Bend with Rangers and Friends
Monday, June 3 from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. No registration is required and normal parking lot fees are waived for this event.
Glen Canyon is a beautiful recreation area to visit, but many do not realize that, as the park says, “Half the park is after dark!” The skies surrounding Page in northern Arizona lend themselves to premier stargazing. Visitors are invited to switch off the bright lights of daily life and join local astronomy experts for excellent telescope viewing at Horseshoe Bend.
Saguaro National Park: Star Party (East District)
Friday, June 28 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. No registration is required.
The Tucson Amateur Astronomers Association is leading Saguaro’s stargazing event and invites the public to stop in and see the “starry skies of your Urban Night Sky Park.”
Arizona State Parks
Several parks in the Arizona State Parks and Trails system participate year-round in stargazing programs. These parks have events coming up in June 2024.
Star Party at Kartchner Caverns
Saturday, June 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. No registration is required nor additional fees beyond usual park entrance costs.
A certified International Dark Sky Park, Kartchner Caverns will host volunteers from Huachuca Astronomy Club who will set up telescopes and share their knowledge of planets, stars, and other wonders of the night sky.
Stargazing at Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak is hosting a 45-minute stargazing program with a park ranger who will show constellations through a telescope and share about the local use and stories related to astronomy dating back centuries.
Star Party at Oracle State Park
Saturday, June 8 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are no registration nor event fees beyond usual park admission required.
Oracle State Park will flex its International Dark Sky Park status in partnership with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association for an evening of night-sky object viewing at the park’s Kannally Ranch House. The event’s first hour features a musical presentation by local duo Acoustic West.
Monthly Star Party at Homolovi State Park
Saturday, June 22 at 6 p.m. Check the event page for the latest on times and guest speakers. There are no registration nor event fees beyond usual park admission required.
In partnership with the Little Colorado River Valley Astronomy Club, telescope viewing through the Winslow Homolovi Observatory will follow a guest speaker’s presentation. The observatory offers views through the huge 14″ telescope and new television monitors.
Maricopa County Parks
The Phoenix Valley’s park and trail system plans events all year long and some of park users’ favorites are always their stargazing events. These ones are taking place over the next few weeks.
Stargazing in Cave Creek Regional Park
Saturday, June 8 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Visitors will enjoy a night of stargazing hosted by Maricopa County’s Ranger Kevin. He’ll use a telescope to show planets, nebulae, star clusters and more and he will even point out constellations with a laser pointer.
The event caps at 30 participants – registration is first-come-first served and closes on 6/6/24. Register by calling the park’s Nature Center.
Sun, Moon, and Stars: Twilight Stroll and Constellation Stories at Usery Mountain Regional Park
Sunday, June 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday June, 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Usery Mountain invites outdoor recreationists and starry-night enthusiasts to join Ranger Jacque for a celestial journey featuring an easy hike, telescope moon viewing, and stories of the night sky.
“Discover the magic of the celestial realm on this combination program, starting with a leisurely one-mile walk, immersing you in the natural beauty as the sun sets. As night falls, gather round our telescope for an up-close look at the enchanting moon. Bring along a blanket and/or picnic to comfortably nestle under the night sky. Range Jacque will use a laser pointer to reveal constellations and their long-held mysteries. It’s a perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with nature, and marvel at the wonders of the cosmos!”
The hike and sky viewing events are limited to 15 – call the Nature Center to register early and save a spot before registration closes on 6/7/24 and on 6/14/24.
Full-Moon Hike in Cave Creek Regional Park
Wednesday, June 19 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
This event is limited to 15 and is led by Ranger Jacque who will help participants discover the majesty of the full moon rising. All will head for a 1.8-mile hike to Clay Mine where the group will enter to enjoy the unique sights inside.
To register, call the park’s Nature Center before 6/17/24 or before it fills.
Full-Moon Hike at Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Friday, June 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ranger Kevin will guide a three-mile out-and-back hike on Yavapai Point Trail. Atop Yavapai Point, the ranger will point out planets and constellations for all star-loving hikers.
Interested recreationists must email Ranger Kevin to register by 6/19/24 or before the 20-participant event fills up. Check the park’s page for details.
While there is plenty to enjoy about Arizona’s natural features on the ground, looking toward the heavens over the Sonoran Desert and in certified Dark Skies offers a unique perspective of celestial features that inspire wonder and fuel curiosity.
Enjoy your parks, trails, and night skies this June and remember to thank volunteers for sharing their expertise.
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