Thanks to its unique combination of mountainous terrain, an arid climate, and minimal light pollution, the southern Arizona landscape offers pristine conditions for night sky viewing—whether you’re hoping to see a planetary alignment, meteor shower, or simply want to lie back and appreciate the Milky Way in all its glory. This January, Tucson, Arizona launched a new astrotourism trail, further cementing the desert city’s reputation as a sanctuary for stargazers.
Tucson is home to an array of astronomical attractions including observatories, research centers, and vast outdoor spaces like Saguaro National Park, the world’s ninth Urban Night Sky Place. The city is also a burgeoning arts and culture hub (landing it on our list of the best places to go in 2024)—meaning you can still enjoy top-notch hotels and restaurants while taking advantage of its plentiful natural wonders.
The new Tucson “Astro Trail” is a curated guide of dark-sky attractions—plus local retailers and restaurants along the way—linking five observatories, a planetarium, a laboratory, an aviation and space museum, two state parks, and a national park. Having strictly enforced light pollution control since 1972, Tucson is a pioneer of night-sky preservation—and now visitors can nimbly navigate between its many astronomy attractions using a mobile passport or printed guide.
“From our mountaintop observatory experiences to live planetarium tours of the constellations in the middle of the day, there’s a lot to discover here,” Nick Letson of the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium tells Condé Nast Traveler.
I followed the self-guided trail connecting the region’s most iconic stargazing spots and observatories. As a meteorologist and cosmic enthusiast, it suffices to say that I totally geeked out. Here are three highlights, and how travelers can experience the trail for themselves.
Saguaro National Park
Less than 30 minutes from downtown, wander among the prickly giants of the Sonoran Desert in Saguaro National Park’s two districts. Cactus Forest Scenic Loop (east) and Scenic Bajada Loop (west) are phenomenal drives with access to numerous hiking trails, including my favorite short hikes on Mica View Trail (east) and Signal Hill Trail (west).