Key Highlights
- Crater Lake, Oregon, is the best national park for stargazing, with an index score of 100 out of 100.
- Great Basin, Nevada, and Canyonlands, Utah, rank second and third, respectively.
- Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Death Valley are also in the top 20.
Driving The News
A new study looked at which national parks are the best for stargazing, with Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, crowned top.
The study, conducted by vacation rental site Lake.com, looked at data from the National Park Service’s Night Sky Data Collection Sites to see which national parks are the best for stargazing. They scored each national park out of 100 based on the average percentage of stars visible, and the average median light pollution.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, ranked as the best national park for stargazing, with an index score of 100 out of 100. The volcanic lake based in south-central Oregon is famed for its deep blue color and clarity and is the deepest lake in America – as well as one of the deepest in the world. The park records that 98.6% of stars are visible on average across four data collection sites and the average light pollution ratio is just 0.03.
Great Basin National Park, Nevada, ranks second, with an index score of 88.58 out of 100. This national park is known for its size and diversity, offering visitors the chance to explore a range of natural features including glaciation, rock formations, caves, and bristlecone pine groves. The park records that 97.8% of stars are visible on average across its five data collection sites, and it has an average light pollution ratio of 0.04.
Following in third is Canyonlands National Park, Utah, with an index score of 88.52 out of 100. Based near the town of Moab, the Colorado River and the Green River flow through the national park, and it has a colorful landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes. The park records that 98.3% of stars are visible on average across its three sites, as well as an average light pollution ratio of 0.04.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, ranks fourth, with an index score of 84.72 out of 100. The Grand Canyon is one of America’s most famous parks, as it has thousands of years of historical and geographical interest. Across all 11 data recording sites, 98.3% of stars are visible on average, and the average light pollution ratio is 0.04.
Rounding out the top five is Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, with an index score of 76.32 out of 100. Filled with cliffs, canyons, and striking rock formations, this national park is known for its stunning scenery. Across its nine data collection sites, 97.6% of stars are visible, and there is an average light pollution ratio of 0.05.
Top 20 Best US National Parks for Stargazing
| Rank | National Park | State(s) Located In | Index Score out of 100 |
| 1. | Crater Lake National Park | Oregon | 100.00 |
| 2. | Great Basin National Park | Nevada | 88.58 |
| 3. | Canyonlands National Park | Utah | 88.52 |
| 4. | Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona | 84.72 |
| 5. | Capitol Reef National Park | Utah | 76.32 |
| 6. | Bryce Canyon National Park | Utah | 74.81 |
| 7. | Grand Teton National Park | Wyoming | 72.04 |
| 8. | Haleakalā National Park | Hawaii | 72.01 |
| 9. | Arches National Park | Utah | 71.40 |
| 10. | Lassen Volcanic National Park | California | 69.58 |
| 11. | Glacier National Park | Montana | 69.54 |
| 12. | Yellowstone National Park | Wyoming, Montana, Idaho | 68.96 |
| 13. | Great Sand Dunes National Park | Colorado | 68.62 |
| 14. | Isle Royale National Park | Michigan | 68.31 |
| 15. | Big Bend National Park | Texas | 66.51 |
| 16. | Petrified Forest National Park | Arizona | 60.00 |
| 17. | Death Valley National Park | California, Nevada | 59.97 |
| 18. | National Park of American Samoa | American Samoa | 58.74 |
| 19. | Lake Clark National Park | Alaska | 58.69 |
| 20. | Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | Hawaii | 58.15 |
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, ranks sixth, with an index score of 74.81 out of 100. As well as being known for its crimson spire-shaped rock formations, the reserve also has a high level of elevation making it perfect to see a sunset before stargazing. The park records that 97.3% of stars are visible on average across 15 sites, and there is an average median light pollution ratio of 0.04.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, is placed seventh, with an index score of 72.04 out of 100. This national park is full of rich landscape, including lakes, alpines, and wildlife, and is a popular destination for those looking to hike or go camping. Across three sites, 96.6% of stars are visible, and there is an average median light pollution ratio of 0.04.
Following in eighth is Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii, with an index score of 72.01 out of 100. Haleakalā is important for Hawaiian culture and is home to endangered species. The park records that 97.5% of stars are visible on average across three sites, and there is an average median light pollution ratio of 0.05.
Arches National Park, Utah, ranks ninth, with an index score of 71.40 out of 100. Housing over 2,000 natural stone arches, and different rock formations, this red-rock utopia is a unique place to stargaze. The park records that 97.2% of stars are visible on average across six sites, and there is an average median light pollution ratio of 0.04.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, is tenth, with an index score of 69.58 out of 100. The national park is perfect for those who want to see clear mountain lakes and volcanoes. 97.2% of stars is visible across three sites, and there is an average median light pollution ratio of 0.05.
Speaking on the findings, David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com said,
“Exploring which national parks and recreation areas are best for stargazing highlights the balance between preserving natural beauty and managing human impact.
“The study of these stargazing locations reveals how geographical factors work together to create ideal conditions for observing stars. As the psalmist said, ‘The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.’ Psalm 19:1 ESV.
“Through stargazing, visitors not only witness the splendor of creation but also gain a deeper understanding of our role in stewarding the natural world.”
Editors Notes
If using this story, please credit and link to https://www.lake.com/ who conducted the research for this study.
The Methodology and Data Visualizations
Sources:
National Park Service: Night Sky Data Collection Sites
Methodology:
Data was taken from the National Park Service’s Night Sky Data Collection Sites which showed the percentage of visible stars as well as the median light pollution ratio for different national parks. Where national parks had multiple data collection sites, an average was calculated for each of these factors. Each national park was given a score out of 100 based on the percentage of visible stars and the median light pollution ratio. The highest scoring parks were deemed the best for stargazing.
The below national parks were not included, due to lack of data available:
- Congaree National Park, South Carolina
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
- Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri
- Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
- Katmai National Park, Alaska
- Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
- Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
- New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia
- Olympic National Park, Washington
- Virgin Islands National Park, US Virgin Islands
- Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
If you use this story, please credit and link to https://www.lake.com – a linked credit allows us to keep supplying you with future content that you may find helpful.
U.S. national parks ranked by their stargazing score:
| Rank | National park | State(s) located in | Average % of stars visible | Average median light pollution ratio | Score out of 100 |
| 1. | Crater Lake National Park | Oregon | 98.6% | 0.03 | 100.00 |
| 2. | Great Basin National Park | Nevada | 97.8% | 0.04 | 88.58 |
| 3. | Canyonlands National Park | Utah | 98.3% | 0.04 | 88.52 |
| 4. | Grand Canyon National Park | Arizona | 98.3% | 0.04 | 84.72 |
| 5. | Capitol Reef National Park | Utah | 97.6% | 0.05 | 76.32 |
| 6. | Bryce Canyon National Park | Utah | 97.3% | 0.04 | 74.81 |
| 7. | Grand Teton National Park | Wyoming | 96.6% | 0.04 | 72.04 |
| 8. | Haleakalā National Park | Hawaii | 97.5% | 0.05 | 72.01 |
| 9. | Arches National Park | Utah | 97.2% | 0.04 | 71.40 |
| 10. | Lassen Volcanic National Park | California | 97.2% | 0.05 | 69.58 |
| 11. | Glacier National Park | Montana | 97.2% | 0.05 | 69.54 |
| 12. | Yellowstone National Park | Wyoming, Montana, Idaho | 96.3% | 0.04 | 68.96 |
| 13. | Great Sand Dunes National Park | Colorado | 97.3% | 0.06 | 68.62 |
| 14. | Isle Royale National Park | Michigan | 97.3% | 0.06 | 68.31 |
| 15. | Big Bend National Park | Texas | 96.9% | 0.05 | 66.51 |
| 16. | Petrified Forest National Park | Arizona | 96.6% | 0.08 | 60.00 |
| 17. | Death Valley National Park | California, Nevada | 96.3% | 0.07 | 59.97 |
| 18. | National Park of American Samoa | American Samoa | 95.3% | 0.06 | 58.74 |
| 19. | Lake Clark National Park | Alaska | 95.9% | 0.07 | 58.69 |
| 20. | Hawaii Volcanoes National Park | Hawaii | 95.3% | 0.06 | 58.15 |
| 21. | Denali National Park | Alaska | 65.4% | 0.04 | 56.63 |
| 22. | Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park | Colorado | 95.9% | 0.09 | 56.39 |
| 23. | North Cascades National Park | Washington | 95.7% | 0.08 | 56.30 |
| 24. | Dry Tortugas National Park | Florida | 94.3% | 0.09 | 52.86 |
| 25. | Wind Cave National Park | South Dakota | 94.4% | 0.10 | 52.29 |
| 26. | Badlands National Park | South Dakota | 93.9% | 0.11 | 50.00 |
| 27. | Mesa Verde National Park | Colorado | 94.6% | 0.14 | 49.45 |
| 28. | Sequoia National Park | California | 93.9% | 0.12 | 49.43 |
| 29. | Zion National Park | Utah | 93.2% | 0.11 | 48.28 |
| 30. | Yosemite National Park | California | 93.9% | 0.12 | 47.14 |
| 31. | Redwood National Park | California | 92.9% | 0.12 | 46.56 |
| 32. | Acadia National Park | Maine | 91.4% | 0.18 | 44.30 |
| 33. | Voyageurs National Park | Minnesota | 89.6% | 0.18 | 42.52 |
| 34. | Theodore Roosevelt National Park | North Dakota | 90.6% | 0.24 | 41.27 |
| 35. | Kings Canyon National Park | California | 89.2% | 0.21 | 40.70 |
| 36. | Rocky Mountain National Park | Colorado | 88.1% | 0.20 | 40.07 |
| 37. | Mount Rainier National Park | Washington | 88.8% | 0.30 | 38.81 |
| 38. | Guadalupe Mountains National Park | Texas | 81.4% | 0.53 | 36.22 |
| 39. | White Sands National Park | New Mexico | 76.8% | 0.57 | 34.20 |
| 40. | Pinnacles National Park | California | 77.6% | 0.63 | 34.15 |
| 41. | Glacier Bay National Park | Alaska | 72.0% | 0.50 | 32.55 |
| 42. | Carlsbad Caverns National Park | New Mexico | 72.5% | 0.75 | 30.46 |
| 43. | Channel Islands National Park | California | 73.0% | 0.87 | 30.42 |
| 44. | Joshua Tree National Park | California | 75.2% | 0.88 | 30.29 |
| 45. | Everglades National Park | Florida | 68.6% | 1.02 | 26.15 |
| 46. | Shenandoah National Park | Virginia | 61.9% | 1.44 | 23.28 |
| 47. | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | North Carolina, Tennessee | 51.9% | 2.17 | 21.04 |
| 48. | Mammoth Cave National Park | Kentucky | 51.7% | 2.24 | 18.51 |
| 49. | Saguaro National Park | Arizona | 48.9% | 2.33 | 15.58 |
| 50. | Gates of the Arctic National Park | Alaska | 43.8% | 2.43 | 12.01 |
| 51. | Indiana Dunes National Park | Indiana | 32.7% | 5.35 | 7.32 |
| 52. | Biscayne National Park | Florida | 28.90% | 12.70 | 0.00 |
Source for biblical quote, non-commercial use:
“Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
More Data-Driven Reports
Access proprietary reports on lakes, rivers, and parks. Ideal for journalists, travel writers, and environmental reporters seeking reliable, in-depth data.
Most Picturesque Lakes in North America
Using Instagram hashtag data, we uncovered North America’s most photogenic lakes, with Lake Tahoe leading the way at over three million tagged posts. Close contenders include Lake Michigan, with upwards of 2.8 million posts, and Lake Superior, which garnered over 1.1 million.
The Most Underrated National Parks Named
Our analysis revealed America’s most underappreciated national parks, placing Washington’s North Cascades at the top. This study focused on parks that received under 750,000 visits in the past year, taking into account visitor numbers, reviews, and ratings.
Best Water Sports Destinations in the USA
Florida claims the top spot as the premier U.S. destination for water sports vacations, thanks to its abundant lakes and beaches, favorable weather, and low rates of water-related injuries. Texas and Michigan secure second and third places, respectively, while understandably, South Dakota ranks at the bottom.