Sedona Stargazing

9 stellar reasons Sedona stargazing is perfect

Stargazing is exploring the ultimate art gallery

Humans have been charting the stars since at least Ancient Egyptian times, and it’s probably safe to say we’ve been stargazing much longer. On a clear and crisp night, who can ignore a sky full of twinkling stars and shining planets, or wonder at the brightness of a full moon as it rises above the horizon? As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us.”

This is especially true in Sedona, Arizona. Here are 9 reasons why Sedona is the perfect destination for your next stargazing experience.

1. No light pollution: it’s really dark here!

Since 2014, Sedona has been designated an International Dark Sky Community. Driving through town at night, you might notice that businesses are not brightly lit on the outside and the streetlights point straight down. Drive through our neighborhoods and there are no streetlights at all. Measures like these protect Sedona from light pollution and create excellent conditions for stargazing.

2. Altitude, wide-open spaces and red rocks

At 4,360 ft (1330 m) elevation, the stars above Sedona shine with extraordinary clarity and the Milky Way, our own galaxy, often dominates the sky on clear nights. Add to that Sedona’s wide-open desert spaces framed by its famous red rock spires looming in the darkness, and conditions for stargazing become nearly ideal.

3. Comfortable night temps, cooling off more in September

Nighttime temperatures in Sedona, even in August, drop to the low 70s and high 60s °F (low 20s °C), allowing for comfortable stargazing well into the night. Temperatures will drop a few degrees more in September, making it a great time to enjoy nighttime activities.

4. Guided stargazing experiences

A handful of outfits offer guided stargazing “tours”. Check our tour listings on ScenicSedona.com to find specific offerings. In addition, some Sedona hotels provide stargazing opportunities and telescopes on their properties. Check hotel amenities when booking or ask the hotel concierge during your stay.

You could also check out the Star Party at Red Rock State Park facilitated by ASTROVerde astronomers club on Saturday, September 13 from 6:30-9:30 PM. Make sure to register in advance. The entrance fee is $16 per person.

5. Self-guided stargazing opportunities 

Do you prefer to explore the stars solo or with family and friends? Sedona has many convenient places to look skyward.

• Paved trailheads provide the easiest access and some have restrooms.
• Consider these trailheads for stargazing: Little Horse trailhead, Bell Rock trailhead, or Dry Creek trailhead.
• Our hiking page on ScenicSedona.com provides maps for several trails, including safety and dark-sky guidelines.

Self‑guidance tips:

• Download a digital map of the trail you plan to hike and bring an external charger to extend the battery life of your phone
• Bring a flashlight or headlamp with both white and red lights - please use white lights only in an emergency
• Layer up—desert nights can chill quickly
• Find an app for your mobile phone to identify celestial objects like SkySafari, Night Sky or Star Walk
• Stay alert for wildlife that may be nearby and maintain a safe distance
• Leave no trace also means speaking in hushed tones and not playing music that can disrupt others’ peace and quiet in the great outdoors

6. Astrophotography in Sedona

 Take your stargazing to the next level and try astrophotography. Everything great about stargazing in Sedona also applies to astrophotography. Here are a few basic principles to get you started:

• Darkness: Sedona is known for its dark skies, but some spots are better than others for astrophotography. Look for locations away from the city and major roads, but with red rock formations like Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock in the frame. They look amazing in your photos under a blanket of stars overhead!
• Moon Phase: The new moon – when the moon is not visible - offers the darkest skies, making celestial objects like the Milky Way more visible. A full moon can wash out the fainter stars and nebulae. Check NASA’s Daily Moon Guide for the current moon phase and other details.
• Weather: Clear, dry conditions are essential for astrophotography. Stable temperatures and low humidity are also ideal for sharp images. Check with the National Weather Service for local conditions.
• Location Scouting: Consider locations like Schnebly Hill Road (4x4 required), the Jordan Trailhead Observation Area or Girdner trailhead for astrophotography. These spots offer varying degrees of light pollution and scenery.
• Time of Year: The Milky Way's galactic center is best seen from June through October.

7. What’s visible in August and September

Spring sky: In August, part of the spring sky is visible just after sunset. In the west, bright Arcturus can be seen in the constellation Boötes. The well-known Big Dipper (Ursa Major/Big Bear) is visible in the northwest. Two stars in the “bowl” of the Big Dipper point to Polaris, the north star, which marks the end of the “handle” of the Little Dipper (Ursa Minor/Little Bear).

Summer sky: In the middle of the sky overhead are the three bright stars of the Summer Triangle. Vega is the brightest of the three, with Deneb and Altair below to the east and southeast respectively. The Milky Way can be seen stretching across the sky from south-southwest to north-northeast.

Autumn sky: The autumn sky is rising in the east at the beginning of the night. Pegasus and Andromeda are low in the sky, and Cassiopeia appears as a "W" above them to the northeast.

Planets:

• Mercury is visible in the morning sky in August before passing behind the Sun in mid-September.
• Venus is low in the east each morning during August and September.
• Mars is dropping in the west after sunset and moving through Leo and Virgo.
• Jupiter is in the constellation Gemini, getting higher in the morning sky each day.

• Saturn is in the constellation Pisces, rising earlier each evening until it comes up at sunset in late September.

Calendar:

8. What time of day is best?

Make plans for stargazing with the hour of sunset in mind. Daylight lasts until around 7:30 PM at the beginning of August and rolls back to around 6:15 PM by the end of September. Full darkness occurs about 1.5 hours later, which means you have plenty of time to make dinner plans before stargazing. From your restaurant or lodgings in town, plan for 30 minutes to arrive at your stargazing destination. From there, as they say, the sky’s the limit! Spend as much time as you need to get your fill of the night sky. 

9. Tips for a great evening of stargazing

• Plan around the moon phase: booking near new‑moon dates yields the darkest skies. Avoid booking tours around the full-moon (particularly 2–3 nights before and after) to maximize visibility. September’s moon phases offer better timing for dark sky viewing.

• Dress warmly: Even desert nights cool off rapidly after sunset.
• Arrive early to guided events—and turn off phone lights once settled and only use red light.
• Bring snacks/water, bug spray, and binoculars if you have them.
• Respect trails and private property—Sedona’s lighting regulations depend on collective care.
• Keep wildlife in mind if you are on the trails after dark. Many species take advantage of cooler temps at night to feed or travel through the wilderness.

Sedona is a night-sky sanctuary

Visiting Sedona for stargazing in August and September 2025 gives you access to:

• Internationally renowned dark-sky viewing
• Dynamic celestial events like the Perseid meteor shower and equinox
• Multiple options for guided stargazing—from train rides to professional tours
• Exclusive resort experiences led by seasoned local astronomers
• Serene options for self-guided star observation

Whether you join a guided telescope tour or just lie on the ground under the Milky Way, Sedona offers stargazing that’s educational, enchanting—and unforgettable. Layered with Sedona’s awe-inspiring red-rock backdrop to frame your skyward gaze, enjoy the cosmos in one of the Southwest’s finest night-sky sanctuaries.