Oh Ryan
Stargaze in Joshua Tree National Park
Sure, it’s those whimsical trees that give Joshua Tree National Park its marquee billing; but this beautiful landscape also has surrounding mountains, hulking boulders, and its night sky—one of the darkest in Southern California. Designated an International Dark Sky Park, Joshua Tree has four allowable stargazing parking lots, including Ryan Mountain. And now there's a new and nearby haven for spending the night: the newly opened RESET Hotel is just minutes from the north entrance of the park, and it's an oasis for reconnecting with nature, and yourself! (See Bonus below.)
If you time it right, you can hike to the summit of Ryan Mountain for some sunset viewing, then make your way down to the parking area where you can bring out lawn chairs and catch a celestial show in the sky. Note: For stargazing, you have to be in the parking area (not on the summit) and within 20 feet of your car. Also, remember to pick a moonless night and check the park website for best viewing dates. The other parking areas designated for stargazing are Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, and Quail Springs.
BONUS: About 7.6 miles north of Joshua Tree’s North Entrance is Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Nature Center. On certain nights they offer free viewing through their 14-inch telescope, and sometimes there are informal gatherings of fellow stargazers with telescopes.
See the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter, or gaze up at the Milky Way stretching across the sky as meteors streak through the heavens. You’ll need an advance reservation.
BONUS STAY: The newly opened RESET Hotel is located minutes from Joshua Tree National Park's north entrance, and is an oasis of tranquility and nature. In other words, relax (and yes, reset). This is the first boutique hotel at Joshua Tree National Park, with just 65 rooms on 180 acres of pure desert bliss.
The architecture and amenities immerse you in the desert surroundings, with minimalism that lets the natural beauty speak the most here.
Relax at their pool, sink into your own private outdoor tub, and enjoy the quiet ambience of your room.
Night sky photos courtesy National Park Service, Joshua Tree National Park.
RESET Hotel photos by Gry Space.
