There are many possibilities for Stargazing around Tucson on your own.
Some sites listed below are remote and you should visit with caution or with a group. Use at your own risk.
Tucson is a special astronomy oriented city. For its size, it has a very dark, very dry sky and more than 300 cloudless days a year. Tucson’s dark sky lighting ordinances support many astronomy industries, and surrounding observatories, and has maintained a dark sky despite continuing to grow. The city has astronomy attractions to visit during the day, observatories to visit in the evening, or locations that enable you to enjoy the night sky on your own or with local guides.
Empire Ranch (SE Tucson). Located south of Tucson off SR83 toward Sonoita. Remote. Map: Empire Ranch
LOCAL PARKS
The area County Parks and some State Parks are closed at night, but a number of Tucson area State Parks offer camping and are open at night. These include: Catalina State Park, Picacho Peak State Park, Sonoita Creek State Park, Oracle State Park
RESORTS WITH DARK SKIES
There are a number or Tucson area resorts which have light protected areas that make for good evening stargazing. A number of these resorts also sponsor guide stargazing for their guests periodically during the month.
They include: Ritz Carlton – Dove Mountain resort, JW Marriott Tucson Star Pass, Loews Ventana Canyon, Tanque Verde Guest Ranch, White Stallion Ranch.
NOT A MEMBER?
If you are not a member of TAAA, consider joining the organization to be able to take advantage of our two dark sites.
TIMPA is outside of Tucson, on the west side of the city over Tucson Mountains open around the time of the new moon. It has observing pads and restroom facilities
CAC is east and south of Tucson with extensive amenities, including restrooms, observing pads, an RV area with power, and exceptionally dark skies.