The southwestern United States has always been an ideal backdrop for stargazers. The high elevations and open desert landscapes lead to some of the clearest night skies in the country.
Popular destinations like Sedona, Arizona, Joshua Tree National Park in California, and Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah all have been designated as International Dark Sky communities and parks, and have built reputations as hot spots for stargazers. But they often have big crowds, limited availability and require long drives off the beaten path.
Why Choose Mesquite
That’s where Mesquite stands apart. Here, you can soak in the same star-filled skies, but with fewer visitors, easy access, and with comfortable rooms and amenities to make any stargazing experience part of an unforgettable getaway for astronomy enthusiasts and casual cosmos viewers alike.
Unlike destinations with heavier traffic, visitors won’t have to compete for space or plan in advance to secure good viewing spots. Mesquite is an easy drive from Las Vegas, Utah and southern California, and its wide-open desert surroundings, low humidity and favorable climate keep skies consistently clear.
Plus, here, you can book a room at one of the city’s resorts and hotels and still be in pristine stargazing locations quickly.
Best Places for Stargazing
Just five miles south of Mesquite is the Gold Butte Backcountry Byway that leads into Gold Butte National Monument. After hours of submerging your group within its chiseled red sandstone, twisting canyons and tree-clad mountains, you’ll be ready to see the stars in this premier spot for astronomy and astrophotography, away from city lights.
Pro tip: For a truly memorable experience, drive about an hour into Gold Butte’s nearly 300,000-acre park to Whitney Pockets. Its remote location offers minimal light pollution, ensuring the darkest, clearest skies. It provides the best experience for Milky Way viewing. You can also spend the night at nearby Aravada Springs Campground.
Desert Skies RV Resort is within a few miles of Mesquite’s resorts and provides easy access to darker desert locations on the outskirts of the city. Check out the area’s other RV parks and campgrounds for a place to set up camp where you can admire the constellations in comfort.
The Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area, about 20 miles northeast of Mesquite along Interstate-15, features excellent dark-sky opportunities. The campsite’s open areas make for a convenient location that doesn’t require hiking into remote areas.
Other nearby areas where you can have a similar experience include Desert National Wildlife Refuge (roughly 70–110 miles west to northwest of Mesquite) and Beaver Dam State Park (about 100-110 miles to the north).
You Can Never Be Too Prepared
The best time for viewing is during the new moon phase to avoid moonlight interference, and spring through fall generally yields the best nighttime conditions.
And don’t worry if you aren’t carrying binoculars or have a telescope; you can still have a great experience. The naked eye reveals spectacular views of the Milky Way on clear nights!
Many of these remote desert locations do not provide additional services, so be sure to bring lots of water to stay hydrated. Also, pack some additional clothing as desert temperatures can fluctuate dramatically.
While many stargazing spots are easily accessible, be mindful of your surroundings. Stick to marked areas, bring a flashlight and let someone know your plans if you’re heading out after dark, since many remote parks and campgrounds don’t have adequate cell service. And when you are leaving your stargazing site, remember to keep the area clean for other visitors.
Star-Quality Experiences
While you’re visiting Mesquite, check out the championship golf courses, delicious restaurants and live entertainment. Enjoy tribute bands and live comedy, and don’t miss the CasaPalooza summer pool concert series featuring top artists.
Tee off at Falcon Ridge Golf Course and play a round on its beautiful greens amid stunning landscapes, elevation changes, water features and high mesa views. Or immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of Wolf Creek Golf Club and its lush fairways and brilliant white sand bunkers.
Then treat your taste buds to authentic and reinvented Chinese classic dishes at 88 Seats Chinese Restaurant inside Virgin River Casino & Lodge.
Or, enjoy casual dining in a comfortable atmosphere at Mason Street Courtyard inside Eureka Casino Resort.
Cap off your night with a drink at the Players Bar, just outside the showroom at CasaBlanca Resort & Casino.
For more Mesquite family fun, take a recreational day trip. You can also find additional ways to save on your Mesquite adventure with special package deals.