In search of the darkest skies in Arizona? Look no further than Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. It’s one of the most remote, undeveloped places in the country! A certified International Dark Sky Park, the monument has no light pollution to hinder stargazing. Pitch a tent and gaze up at the cosmos, enjoying a celestial spectacle like no other.
Located on the northern edge of the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon–Parashant National Monument is one of the most remote places in the contiguous U.S.
Wikimedia Commons/Tainter Jointly managed by the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, the monument has no paved roads or visitor services.
At over a million acres, the monument’s vastness is almost incomprehensible.
Wikimedia Commons/Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management The entire state of Rhode Island could fit within its boundaries!
The monument consists of four separate wilderness areas, and you can explore them all on a variety of backcountry hikes.
Wikimedia Commons/Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management From jaw-dropping scenic overlooks to ancient springs, each trail is worth embarking on for its own unique reasons. Keep in mind, there’s no cell service here, so be extra careful on your adventures.
In 2014, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument earned International Dark Sky Park status.
Wikimedia Commons/Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management Thanks to its high elevation, excellent air quality, sparse population, and generally cloud-free weather, the monument offers stargazing opportunities that are simply unparalleled.
After dark, the only light in the monument comes from the stars.
Wikimedia Commons/Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management (Arizona) That means you won’t need any equipment to observe the cosmos. Trillions of stars, the Milky Way, planets, and other celestial bodies are visible to the naked eye, and it’s a glorious sight.
You’ll definitely want to set up camp to allow for plenty of time to stargaze.
Wikimedia Commons/Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management Camping here is free, and no reservations are needed. The best part? There’s a good chance that wherever you decide to pitch your tent, you’ll have the surrounding area all to yourself.
Please note: a high-clearance vehicle is required to access the monument.
Google Maps Click here to help plan your visit.
Click here for the monument’s Facebook page.
Wikimedia Commons/Tainter
Jointly managed by the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, the monument has no paved roads or visitor services.
Wikimedia Commons/Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management
The entire state of Rhode Island could fit within its boundaries!
From jaw-dropping scenic overlooks to ancient springs, each trail is worth embarking on for its own unique reasons. Keep in mind, there’s no cell service here, so be extra careful on your adventures.
Thanks to its high elevation, excellent air quality, sparse population, and generally cloud-free weather, the monument offers stargazing opportunities that are simply unparalleled.
Wikimedia Commons/Bob Wick, Bureau of Land Management (Arizona)
That means you won’t need any equipment to observe the cosmos. Trillions of stars, the Milky Way, planets, and other celestial bodies are visible to the naked eye, and it’s a glorious sight.
Camping here is free, and no reservations are needed. The best part? There’s a good chance that wherever you decide to pitch your tent, you’ll have the surrounding area all to yourself.
Google Maps
Click here to help plan your visit.
Have you ever been to Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument? If so, what did you think of the night skies? Tell us all about your experience in the comments. For more of the darkest skies in Arizona, check out our previous article.
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Address: Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Littlefield, AZ 86432, USA
