Top Places for Wyoming Stargazing
Experience a Starry Night Sky in Southwest Wyoming
Constellations twinkle into view as your eyes adjust under Wyoming’s dark and endless skies. Whether you are an avid astronomy fan or someone who has never seen the Milky Way, stargazing near Rock Springs and Green River is a profound experience unlike any other. Discover our dazzling night skies with these top places to see the stars.
Explore Flaming Gorge Country
Have you ever gazed up at the swirling cosmos surrounded by 42,000 acres of serene waters? Just head to Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a nature sanctuary set in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Daytime offers plenty of activities, from catching trophy-worthy trout and catfish to hiking and mountain biking miles of meandering dirt trails. Then, when night falls, you’ll find some of the darkest skies in southwest Wyoming filled with glittering lights.
For a one-of-a-kind experience, try stargazing as you lounge on the deck of a boat. Campsites such as the Firehole Canyon Campground have docks if you want to bring your own vessel, plus it’s conveniently located just 30 miles from Rock Springs. If you choose to rent a boat, head farther south to the Lucerne Valley Marina. It’s the only marina around the reservoir that offers houseboat rentals for overnight stays. Relax on the vast, tranquil waters as you look for shooting stars streaking across the inky expanse.
Admire the heavens from a different angle on a night drive along the Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway. Dramatic landscapes and rock formations create stunning images against the starry backdrop. Stop at one of many overlooks such as the Firehole Canyon Overlook or Clay Basin Overlook where you can practice your astrophotography or just pause to soak it all in.
Go Camping Beneath the Stars
One of the best parts about camping is being able to see the stars. And while there are many Wyoming camping areas to choose from, you’ll want to pick one with the least light pollution. Here are three camping options out of reach from the city lights. These sites have primitive facilities, so make sure to pack appropriately and follow Leave No Trace Principles.
Little Mountain Dispersed Camp
The Little Mountain camping area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is a refuge for wildlife and outdoor recreationists. Badlands, aspens and pines create a picturesque setting to camp out and view the stars. Plus, with mostly sunny, cloud-free days, you can even bring your telescope and look for distant planets.
Distance: 50 miles from Rock Springs
Big Sandy Reservoir Recreation Area
The Big Sandy Reservoir Recreation Area is another beautiful location for spotting your favorite constellations. A lesser-known destination with miles of visibility, here you’ll have plenty of space and peace to enjoy vast, uninterrupted views of the sky. Arrive early and watch vibrant colors create dazzling sunsets before the stars come out to play.
Distance: 54 miles from Rock Springs
Slate Creek Campground
Just north of the Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge is Slate Creek Campground, a popular locale for fishing and birding. However, its minimal light pollution also makes it ideal for admiring the star-dappled cosmos along the rushing Green River.
Distance: 67 miles from Rock Springs
See Wyoming’s Night Sky in Wamsutter
If you don’t want to worry about packing and planning a night outdoors, here’s another way to view Wyoming’s starry skies.
Indulge in a nighttime adventure and start cruising east from Rock Springs. As you move away from bright city lights toward Wamsutter, notice as the skies darken and more and more stars appear. Consider booking a room in Wamsutter to prolong your stargazing experience.
Find More Daytime Adventures
Looking for more things to do when the sun is out? Stop in Rock Springs and Green River to sample must-try restaurants, hunt for picture-worthy murals and meander the charming downtowns. History enthusiasts can get a taste of the area’s Wild West past with everything from rodeos and mining ghost towns to stories of famous characters like Calamity Jane and Butch Cassidy. Or go off the beaten path to find hidden gems, like the 400-foot-high Boar’s Tusk.