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Stargazing

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Our dogs might spend a lot of time with their noses to the ground, but they also love to howl at the moon and stars. Venture into some of the darkest areas of the country and observe uninterrupted views of the night sky at these pet-friendly stargazing destinations.

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Presidio, TX
A constellation vacation. Photo by Facebook.com/BigBendRanchSP

Fido will be singing, “The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas,” as he looks to the skies from Big Bend Ranch State Park in the Southwest corner of the state. Texas’s largest state park is an International Dark Sky Park and allows visiting canines on two trails - Hoodoos and Closed Canyon, and in campgrounds where the night sky is so brilliant, your eyes will play tricks on you. Together with neighboring Chinati Mountains State Natural Area and Big Bend National Park, this region is one of the largest areas of protected night sky in the United States.

To get the best stargazing experience, pitch a tent in the state park campground, or book a few nights at Tarantula Ranch and keep your eyes on the sky while relaxing in the outdoor hot tub.

Under Canvas Yellowstone

West Yellowstone, MT
Under canvas, under stars. Photo by Facebook.com/UnderCanvas

If you’ve been dreaming of sleeping under the stars with Fido, plan a dog-friendly ‘glamping’ getaway to West Yellowstone and spend a night or two at Under Canvas West Yellowstone. The safari-inspired glampsites offer uninterrupted views of the picturesque Montana landscape and an unparalleled night sky. You’ll also enjoy convenient access to Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance, which is just a 10-minute drive away.

Sleep in a luxury tent outfitted with a cozy bed, plush linens, a private bathroom and a wood-burning stove. Book a Stargazer tent, which features a unique overhead window for viewing the night sky from your bed.

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

Cedar Key, FL
Star power. Photo by Jesse Summers

Cedar Key is an island city in the Gulf of Mexico that affords visitors a less-polluted view of the night sky. Stargazers have the chance to enjoy views of epic constellations like Fido’s favorite, Canis Major (“Greater Dog”), from Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve. Known for offering some of the darkest skies in the Sunshine State, the reserve is a great place to witness the magnificent nightly display. Before sunset, explore the winding pet-friendly trails for a glimpse of native residents like gopher tortoises and bald eagles in their natural habitat, before finding a twinkling view through the towering pines.

Dock at this dog-friendly waterfront duplex in Cedar Key and watch the stars appear over the ocean, or paddle out at night for a private show above.

Haleakala National Park

Kula, HI
Starry, starry night. Photo by Facebook.com/HaleakalaNPS

The best stargazing destinations require a combination of high elevation, limited light pollution, good weather and star visibility, which is why Hawaii is so popular among constellation lovers. Dogs are not allowed at Mauna Kea, the most renowned stargazing spot and the highest peak on the island of Hawaii, but the Kalahaku Overlook at Haleakala National Park in Maui is the next best thing. Head to the 9,000-foot overlook at sunset, where you can enjoy the incredible sight of the sun going down over clouds beneath your feet before the stars come out to play above.

Drive back to Hana Inn and enjoy more views over the Pacific from the private black pebble beach.

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area

Ready to gaze. Photo by Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area

Camp with Fido in the Sandhills of Nebraska at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area and experience some of the darkest skies in the world. Ranger programs like Constellations on the Landscape and Moons and Misses are offered throughout the summer months. Additional areas with dark skies surrounding Merritt Reservoir include Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Smith Falls State Park and Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to plop down on a blanket with Fido and count the stars.

If Fido would prefer to view the stars, but not sleep under them, book a room at Trade Winds Motel in Valentine. Even within the town, you’ll still be able to spot meteorites and satellites crossing the sky as your pup plays in the off-leash green space.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon, UT
Out of this world unique. Photo by Facebook.com/BryceCanyonNationalPark

Bryce Canyon National Park features the largest collection of hoodoos in the world. These tall, thin spires of red rock offer an incredible contrast to the many colors of the Milky Way on a clear night. When the sun goes down, take the paved trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point to enjoy an epic view of the otherworldly landscape and the curtain of stars above.

Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn has a grassy area for dogs to walk around before you head off together into the night.

Denali National Park & Preserve

Denali National Park, AK
"Waiting for the show." Photo by Facebook.com/DenaliNPS

When darkness falls at Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska, it tends to stick around, which gives plenty of time for the stars to come out and twinkle. Fall, winter and early spring are best for nighttime views, as summer days can last more than 20 hours. Dogs aren’t allowed on trails within the park, but this won’t stop your astronomical Alsatian from enjoying the views at pullouts along the Denali Park Road. If you arrive at the park during daylight hours, you can experience magnificent views of North America’s highest peak, the 20,320-foot Mount McKinley.

Share a rustic cabin experience near the park, and join Fido for bathroom breaks outside in the adjacent Alaskan Outhouse.

Acadia National Park

Acadia, ME
Space. The Furry Frontier. Photo by @richardworell

Acadia National Park is arguably the most pet-friendly national park in the country. Located on Maine’s rugged coastline, it also boasts a brilliantly bright night sky for stargazing Spaniels to enjoy. One of the most secluded spots is also the only part of the park found on the mainland, the Schoodic Peninsula. Take a hike on a 7.5-mile network of trails from Winter Harbor in the north to Blueberry Hill, and rest on the rocks that overlook the Atlantic Ocean for a celestial viewing. If you’re looking for an activity to pass the time before nightfall, join Acadian Nature Cruises in Bar Harbor for a sail around the waters that surround the peninsula.

Schoodic Woods Campground is the best place to pitch up if you’re planning on heading to Schoodic Peninsula to enjoy the show.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park, CO
Lightyear views. Photo by NPS Photos

Dogs who love to ride by your side as you drive will enjoy a late-night visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. Pets are not permitted on trails within the park, but are allowed anywhere cars can go. Trail Ridge Road is known as a highway to the sky and one ride along it will show you why. Spanning 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake, the road is surrounded by the epic mountain range on every side. You are welcome to stop at any of the pull-offs and parking lots along the way to enjoy snow-peaked mountains touching the starry night sky. Don’t forget to fuel up with your pup first at Rock Inn Mountain Tavern, a historic Estes Park eatery. Starstruck pups can rest up at Discovery Lodge. This popular hotel has a dog park on the premises and walking trails.

Headlands Dark Sky Park

Mackinaw City, MI
"Where's the Dog Star?" Photo by @shaynakuieck

After a day trip to Mackinac Island, head to Headlands International Dark Sky Park, the ninth place to earn Dark Sky status in the world. If you’re lucky, you may even be treated to an amazing Northern Lights display. Dogs are allowed on the five miles of trails in the park as long as they are leashed.

Camping is not permitted at Headlands, but Pure Bliss Campsite gives you the chance to sleep under the stars nearby.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, AZ
A grand sky. Photo by Facebook.com/GrandCanyonNationalPark

Witness the stars dancing over one of the seven wonders of the world at Grand Canyon National Park. People planning a Grand Canyon adventure with their dog should add a late-night viewing to the schedule. Leashed dogs are only welcome on trails above the rim, but fortunately, this is where the best stargazing opportunities can be found. Hike together on the 12-mile paved South Rim Trail and stop off at viewing points like Mather Point and Yavapai along the way.

Settle in for the night at Yavapai Lodge, seconds from the trail and epic starry spectacles.

Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve

Ketchum, ID
The gold standard. Photo by @iconjunco

Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the first such destination to receive gold-tier status in the United States, is one of the best places on the planet to watch the stars with your pooch. Encompassing the towns of Sun Valley, Ketchum and Stanley, the Reserve’s location in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho means there is little to no light pollution. Try to catch a falling star and put it in Fido’s pocket on the Toxaway to Alice Lake Loop in Stanley, or from Adam's Gulch Trail in Ketchum.

Fido’s always in the limelight in your eyes, so treat him to a stay at the Limelight Hotel Ketchum. Canine guests receive a welcome kit that includes a Frisbee, bandana and treats.

Flagstaff, AZ

A dark sky getaway to Arizona. Photo by Facebook.com/DiscoverFlagstaff

Most of the time, when we think of stargazing and the darkest night skies, we think of national and state parks, federal lands and campgrounds - places that are far from the lights of the big city. But, the first International Dark Sky City in the U.S., designated in 2001, is the city of Flagstaff, AZ. Since 1958, Flagstaff has maintained its outdoor lighting ordinance, keeping excessive light pollution at bay and allowing citizens and visitors alike a chance to marvel at the constellations despite being in a highly populated area. If you want to get away from noise pollution, too, head into Coconino National Forest for an evening of stargazing with Fido.

Book a room with a balcony overlooking the San Francisco Peaks at Courtyard Flagstaff, or mosey down to the outdoor fire pit and gaze up at the sky with your furry best friend.

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