Starry Nights and Cosmic Views: Stargazing Tips at Highland Grand Canyon
Where the Stars Still Feel Wild
One of the first things guests notice at Highland is how bright the stars are. Being surrounded by Kaibab National Forest and miles from any major lights means our skies stay dark and clear. At night, you can look up from your porch and see the Milky Way stretching across the sky.
The Grand Canyon region is part of an official Dark Sky Park system, which protects the area from light pollution. It is one of the few places left in the country where you can see thousands of stars without a telescope. For anyone who loves space, photography, or quiet nights, this is paradise.
Why the Sky Feels Different Here
Highland sits on a ten acre clearing about four miles from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The forest acts like a natural barrier, blocking any glow from nearby towns. Cool air at night adds clarity, and the high elevation makes the stars appear close enough to touch.
You don’t need special equipment to enjoy it. Most nights, all you need is a blanket, a warm drink, and a bit of patience to let your eyes adjust.
When to Stargaze in October
October is one of the best months of the year for night sky viewing. The nights are long, the air is crisp, and the summer haze has lifted. Around the middle of the month, you can see Pegasus, Cassiopeia, and Andromeda clearly.
If you visit near a new moon, the darkness will make the Milky Way shine brighter. Even with a partial moon, the light adds a beautiful glow to the landscape.
How to Make the Most of the Experience
Here are a few easy ways to turn a night under the stars into a memory you will never forget:
Bring a blanket or sleeping bag and spread it out on the grass
Let your eyes adjust for fifteen minutes before looking for constellations
Use a stargazing app to identify planets and stars
Keep your phone screen dim or use a red light mode to protect your night vision
Make a cup of tea or cocoa before you settle in
Our communal area is a favorite place for stargazing, but many guests prefer their private tent decks for a quieter moment. Either way, the view is breathtaking.
Tips for Night Photography
If you enjoy photography, bring a tripod and try a few long exposure shots. Point your camera toward the southern sky to catch the Milky Way, or frame your shot with the outline of your tent.
To avoid blur, set your camera to manual focus and a low ISO. The soft glow from Highland’s lanterns adds a natural warmth that makes every photo feel like a postcard.
Wildlife and Night Sounds
As you look up, you might hear coyotes calling in the distance or elk moving quietly through the trees. These sounds are part of the charm. The forest is alive even after dark, and the rhythm of nature is steady and calm.
Why Stargazing Feels So Peaceful
There is something humbling about seeing the sky this way. You realize how vast the world is and how rare it is to find true darkness anymore.
Many guests say their favorite memory from Highland wasn’t just the comfort of their tent or the beauty of the Canyon, but the silence of the night sky. The stars have a way of slowing time and reminding you of what matters most.
Come see the stars the way they were meant to be seen. Book your stay at Highland Grand Canyon and spend your nights beneath one of the clearest skies in the world.
