Attraction
Stargazing in Flagstaff, the world's first Dark Sky City
Flagstaff became the world's first International Dark Sky City in 2001, building on dark-sky lighting ordinances that date to the 1950s. Those laws limit light pollution citywide, so on a clear, moonless night you can see the Milky Way from within town. The best stargazing is at Lowell Observatory — where Pluto was discovered in 1930 — and at dark pull-offs in the surrounding Coconino National Forest, especially in summer and fall.
- Status
- World's 1st Dark Sky City (2001)
- Lighting laws since
- 1950s
- Top spot
- Lowell Observatory (Mars Hill)
- Best months
- Summer & fall, near new moon
Why are Flagstaff's skies so dark?
Flagstaff has protected its night sky for decades. The city passed some of the world's first outdoor-lighting ordinances in the 1950s to protect astronomical research at Lowell Observatory, and in 2001 it was designated the world's first International Dark Sky City. Streetlights are shielded and warm-toned, billboards are limited, and the result is a genuinely dark sky right at the edge of a real city.
Where can you stargaze in Flagstaff?
- Lowell Observatory — evening telescope programs and the historic Pluto Discovery Telescope on Mars Hill, just above downtown.
- Buffalo Park — an easy open meadow within town for casual naked-eye viewing.
- Coconino National Forest pull-offs — drive a few minutes out of town toward Lake Mary or Sunset Crater for even darker skies.
- Your rental's yard or deck — thanks to the lighting laws, you can often see the Milky Way without leaving the house.
When is the best time to see the stars?
Aim for a clear night within a few days of the new moon, when moonlight won't wash out the sky. Summer and early fall offer the best Milky Way views and the most comfortable temperatures for standing outside. Winter skies are stunning and crisp too — just dress warmly, as nights routinely drop below freezing at 7,000 feet.
Frequently asked questions
Is Flagstaff really the first Dark Sky City?
Yes. In 2001 Flagstaff was designated the world's first International Dark Sky City, building on outdoor-lighting ordinances it first adopted in the 1950s to protect Lowell Observatory's research.
Can you see the Milky Way from Flagstaff?
On a clear, moonless night you can see the Milky Way from within Flagstaff itself, thanks to citywide dark-sky lighting laws. Drive a few minutes into the surrounding forest for even darker conditions.
Related guides
Plan your stay
Make a Homebody vacation rental your basecamp for Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.