If you’ve ever wanted to stare into the abyss while questioning your own insignificance, Death Valley is calling. During the Dark Sky Festival, this already otherworldly place becomes a complete mind-melter, offering some of the best stargazing on Earth. Yes, Earth.
Every year, scientists, astronomers, and starry-eyed existentialists gather in America’s hottest, driest, lowest place to soak in some of the darkest skies in the world. No skyscrapers, no headlights, no billboards—just you, the cosmos, and the crushing realization that you are a speck of dust in a galaxy that doesn’t even know you exist. Shout out, Carl Sagan.
What to Expect
Scientists and amateur sky nerds set up telescopes so you can actually see Saturn’s rings instead of pretending you can. Learn how to capture insane night sky photos. Because Death Valley looks like Mars, NASA literally tests space rovers here, so expect some brain-expanding lectures from the people who send robots to other planets. Hike under starlight—no headlamps needed—while a park ranger casually blows your mind with rad space facts.
If you’ve forgotten what an actual night sky looks like—or maybe you’ve never really seen it—either way, prepare to be humbled.
