Pink sunsets, yellow moons, shooting stars, and green meadows. We’re not talking about the magically delicious breakfast cereal. Rather, we’re talking about the sights above our heads after the sun dips below the horizon. With warm, fun-packed days followed by cool, comfortable evenings, late summer/early fall stargazing in the High Sierra is a treat everyone should set aside time for.
Perseid Meteor Shower
As the Earth passes through the path of the Comet Swift-Tuttle around mid July through late August, something magical occurs. The dust left behind creates the annual Perseid meteor shower. Arguably one of the most popular meteor showers of the year, two of the best spots to catch a glimpse of this cool natural phenomenon at either the New Melones Recreation Area or among giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. If you missed it this year, that’s ok – it’ll be back. But make sure you mark your calendar for next summer so you can see all the glory with your own eyes.
Visiting Calaveras in late summer/fall? Toast to starry skies and be sure to check out Calaveras County’s California Wine Month celebration.
Dine & Discover The Stars In Yosemite
From April through October, Tenaya Lodge hosts a two-hour celestial journey every Wednesday and Saturday. Set against the stunning Yosemite backdrop, expert astronomer Andy Skinner leads guests through an unforgettable exploration of the night sky—blending education with entertainment.
Looking for another stargazing opportunity? If you visit in the heart of summer, join the Central Valley Astronomers in August at Edward Ray Park in Chowchilla, where they’ll provide telescopes and expert guidance to help you navigate the cosmos. See planets and deep space objects up close—including the moon, star clusters, and nebulae—for a truly awe-inspiring night under the stars. And don’t worry if you missed out this year. Mark it on your calendar for next summer for a starry surprise.
Missed these events? No problem! Here’s the 10 best spots to catch a glimpse of the night sky in Yosemite|Madera County.
Observe The Night Sky With The Oldest Living Things On Earth
We’re going to let you in on a secret… the backdrop when enjoying a night sky is as important as minimal artificial light. Surround yourself by the oldest living things on Earth. And then look up at a sky filled with stars that are even older than them! The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains is open through October and provides a great vantage point to take it all in. If you do miss the window to see these giants, don’t worry! The skies are nearly as magnificent at Alabama Hills near Mobius Arch.
Here’s some tips on how to make the most out of your stargazing when in the Eastern Sierra.
Gazing from the Minarets
The Eastern Sierra is a stargazer’s paradise, thanks to its vast open spaces, high elevations, and minimal light pollution. One of the best places to take in the night sky near Mammoth Lakes is Minaret Vista. Perched above the town, this scenic overlook offers dark skies and expansive views helping make it the ideal spot to identify stars, planets, and constellations.
For more tips and ideas on where and how to stargaze, check out Visit Mammoth’s “Stargazing in the Eastern Sierra” article.
Truckee’s Bounty
Even the Truckee-Tahoe region offers incredible stargazing opportunities. To help preserve its night skies, the town of Truckee has joined the Dark Sky Movement. It’s a commitment to reducing light pollution and protecting the beauty of the stars above.
A local favorite? The public piers at Donner Lake. There, the gentle lapping of water, the moon’s reflection on the lake, and a sky full of shimmering stars create an unforgettable, sensory-rich experience.
For more great stargazing spots, check out the article: “Turn Out the Lights! Truckee Dark Skies & Best Places To Stargaze.”
Experts say that 80% of Americans & one-third of all humanity can no longer see the Milky Way due to light pollution. Fortunately, stargazing in the High Sierra gives you clear skies and an opportunity to see this and much more. After all, there’s a whole universe out there, so don’t miss your chance when visiting!
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