Big Bend is an International Dark Sky Park, home to some of the darkest skies in the lower 48. With wide-open views and little light pollution, it’s one of the best places for stargazing.

Top Stargazing Locations in the Park

While nearly anywhere in the park is a great place for stargazing, here are some of our favorite Big Bend stargazing spots.

Maverick Junction

Image from Flickr by Sajith T S

If you’re staying in the town of Terlingua, then you really don’t need to go far for good stargazing. Just past the Maverick Junction entrance gate, there’s a parking lot that gets the job done. It’s not the most scenic spot, but then again, it’s dark anyway. 

Fossil Discovery Exhibit

This easily-accessible option has a sizeable parking lot, and unobstructed views in every direction. Bonus points for a vault toilet available.

Sotol Vista Overlook

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If you’re choosing a spot to enjoy the sunset and then sticking around for stargazing, you can’t do better than Sotol Vista Overlook. Perched on top of a bluff, the overlook has open views in every direction, with nothing obstructing the night sky.

Mule Ears Viewpoint

This one does have some mountains nearby, but the majority of the sky is unobstructed, and photographers may enjoy finding the Mule Ears rock formation silhouetted against the stars.

Santa Elena Canyon 

In one direction, there’s nothing but sky. In the other direction, there are the imposing walls of Santa Elena Canyon. And maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll see the Milky Way running right through the middle of the canyon, over the Rio Grande, between the United States and Mexico.

Best Time of Year and Night to See the Stars

The best time to see the stars at Big Bend is between March and October, when the Milky Way is visible. You can stargaze year-round, but conditions vary by season. Winter nights are clear yet cold, spring and fall bring the most comfortable temperatures, and summer nights stay mild after hot days.

For the darkest skies, plan your visit around the moon cycle. A full moon will obscure the stars, so aim for a new moon or a night when the moon has set below the horizon.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Night Under the Stars

Here are some more tips for successful stargazing.

• Check the weather forecast before committing to a late night.
• Keep light to a minimum. Turn off your car headlights as soon as you’ve parked. Keep flashlights pointed down.
• Use red light to preserve the dark sky and to allow your eyes to adjust.
• Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the sky. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can see with some patience!
• Download and print a monthly star chart to reference. The national park suggests using skymaps.com. Remember to use red light to look at them!
• Big Bend also provides regularly scheduled night sky programs. Check the events calendar to see what’s happening while you’re in the area.

Explore Big Bend with Shaka Guide 

Explore Big Bend National Park with a self-guided driving tour from Shaka Guide. We provide directions, trip planning advice, and stories throughout the park, all through your phone. Enjoy learning about the area’s history, culture, geology, and wildlife while you explore the park at your own pace.

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About the Writer: Matt Caracciolo

Matt Caracciolo is a travel writer based in Ohio and author of the Shaka Guide tour for Yosemite. Born and raised in Columbus, Matt fell into travel writing while teaching English abroad in South Korea.

He has written two travel books, including the Moon Ohio guidebook, and enjoys writing and editing tours for Shaka Guide. Matt follows Mark Twain’s belief that “travel is fatal,” embracing travel as a way to learn more about the world and ourselves.

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