Wyoming Skies: Your Gateway to Stellar Adventures

Imagine heading outside and seeing more stars than you ever thought possible—that's the magic of the Cowboy State's night sky. Here, the horizon stretches for miles, and the darkness reveals a blanket of natural wonder. What makes the stars one of the many things to see in Wyoming? Location. You're closer to the sky with less atmosphere in the way because Wyoming sits over 6,000 feet above sea level. The dry air means fewer clouds and clearer views, and Wyoming's wide open spaces keep light pollution at bay. Put it all together, and you've got some of the best stargazing in the country.

Planning to Experience the Cosmic Frontier

So, how to plan for an unbelievable night of stargazing? Your basic toolkit starts with either a telescope or binoculars. Telescopes are great if you want detailed views of planets and distant objects, while binoculars might be better suited for beginners, since they're easier to handle. Star charts or astronomy apps will help you figure out what you're looking at, as they help identify different constellations and celestial bodies. And don't forget warm clothes—Wyoming nights are known to get chilly even in the summer. Finally, pack a red flashlight to maintain night vision while reading charts, and bring a blanket to make your lookout spots comfortable.

The time of year is one factor to consider when planning your trip, as the Wyoming sky offers something unique in each season. Winter brings the brilliant constellation Orion and the beautiful Pleiades star cluster. In the summer, the Milky Way really shines, especially from June through August. Spring puts the Big Dipper right overhead, and fall gives you a chance to spot the Andromeda Galaxy. In general, the darkest skies—and therefore the brightest stars—happen during new moon phases, but you can still see plenty during other moon phases, especially planets and major constellations.

Where Earth Meets Infinity

After sunset, Yellowstone National Park transforms into a stargazer's paradise. Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley offer expansive and unobstructed views, thanks to minimal tree interference, and the park's high elevation ensures exceptional dark sky conditions. Looking for a little help on how to make the most of your trip? Rangers often host astronomy programs during the summer months, combining professional guidance with pristine viewing conditions.

Grand Teton National Park provides dramatic silhouettes of jagged peaks against star-filled skies, and Jackson Lake's shoreline offers unobstructed views. Not to mention, the park's numerous backcountry locations reward adventurous stargazers with some of the darkest skies in the region. You can't go wrong in the iconic Teton Range, where astrophotography enthusiasts use the natural landscape to frame the perfect shot.

The Wind River Range invites serious stargazers into the true wilderness. This remote mountain range offers exceptional elevation and virtually no light pollution, creating the ideal conditions for observing faint deep-sky objects. The area's pristine wilderness designation ensures these dark conditions will remain protected for future generations of astronomers.

Sinks Canyon, Wyoming's first International Dark Sky Park, represents the gold standard for astronomical observation. Located near Lander, this protected area maintains strict lighting regulations while offering excellent facilities for both casual observers and serious astronomers. The park's designation recognizes its exceptional natural darkness and commitment to preserving night sky quality.

Devils Tower, America's first national monument, provides an otherworldly backdrop for celestial viewing. The tower's isolated location in northeastern Wyoming keeps the skies dark, while its iconic silhouette creates unforgettable stargazing scenery.

Wyoming's cities offer surprisingly excellent stargazing opportunities. Jackson's relatively small size and surrounding wilderness preserve minimize light pollution. At the same time, Laramie's high elevation and clean air make it possible to observe many celestial objects despite some artificial lighting.

Protecting the Night Sky

Wyoming takes protecting its skies from light pollution seriously. Sinks Canyon State Park has earned special recognition from DarkSky International for having some of the darkest, most pristine skies in the area. This designation makes Wyoming a world-class stargazing destination—but preserving the nighttime sights goes beyond a single park. Towns across Wyoming are starting to use "dark-sky-friendly" lighting that cuts down on light pollution while still keeping streets safe. These efforts will help preserve our star-filled skies, ensuring the views we see today will still be here for future generations to enjoy.

When the Beautiful Sky Puts on a Show

There's something for every type of stargazer in Wyoming. In Jackson Hole, Wyoming Stargazing runs guided tours where experts share their knowledge and let you look through advanced telescopes. Astronomy clubs throughout the state host "star parties" that invite newcomers to learn from seasoned stargazers and try out different equipment. These friendly gatherings are perfect for anyone curious about what hides in the night skies. Many clubs even maintain special dark-sky sites just for these events and educational programs. 

If you want to get closer to the cosmos (literally), be sure to stop by Snow King Observatory in Jackson. Sitting at an elevation of over 8,000 feet, it’s the only mountaintop observatory and planetarium in the United States, with a one-meter primary mirror Planewave telescope that offers astounding views of the starry skies above. Budding young astronomers will also enjoy their immersive planetary displays, captivating multimedia experiences and live presentations from expert guides. So, whether you're a family eager to catch a glimpse of the planets for the first time or an experienced observer seeking distant galaxies, Wyoming has you covered.

Your stargazing itinerary wouldn't be complete without considering some special celestial events. Meteor showers that light up the skies throughout the year: the Perseids in mid-August and the Geminids in mid-December. Each magnificent display puts on a reliable show that doesn't require any equipment. All you need are clear skies and a little patience to catch nature's fireworks. Planet watching adds another layer of year-round excitement to your celestial adventure. Jupiter's four biggest moons are easy to spot with basic binoculars, while Saturn's rings always amaze first-time telescope users. When Mars makes its close approach every couple of years, you can actually make out features on its surface with a decent telescope.

Your Journey Among the Stars Awaits

Whether you're planning a family camping trip or a serious stargazing expedition, the state's diverse landscapes and protected dark skies will engage spectators at any interest level. When planning your trip, remember that being a mindful visitor helps keep these special places pristine for every stargazer who comes after you. Ensure you WY Responsibly by consulting our Know Before You Go page for helpful tips and up-to-date information on weather preparedness, fire bans, wildlife safety and beyond. Under Wyoming skies, every clear night reminds you that we're a part of something bigger than our everyday lives—a vast, mysterious and absolutely beautiful universe.