If you’re chasing the darkest skies in the U.S., this is the road trip.
Park to Park in the Dark is Nevada’s official astronomy route, connecting two International Dark Sky Parks, Great Basin National Park and Death Valley National Park, with a string of small, underrated towns along US-6 and US-95.
This isn’t your typical road trip. It’s remote, wide open, and packed with some of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see. By day, you’ve got ghost towns, scenic drives, and off-beat stops. By night? The Milky Way, meteor showers, and more stars than you knew existed.
If you love stargazing, road trips, or just getting way off the grid for a bit, this route delivers.
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Route Overview: What to Expect
This stargazing road trip runs through:
Baker
Ely
Tonopah
Goldfield
Beatty
Expect long stretches of empty highway, minimal light pollution, and the kind of quiet you only get in the middle of nowhere. It’s perfect.
Stop 1: Great Basin National Park
Why It’s a Must-Stop
Great Basin National Park is one of the best stargazing destinations in the country and somehow still one of the least crowded.
As an International Dark Sky Park, this is where you go for Milky Way views with the naked eye, Ranger-led astronomy programs and some of the darkest skies in the Lower 48. There really is nowhere in the park that isn’t great for stargazing.
Best Stargazing Spots
Wheeler Peak Overlook and Mather Overlook are great places to set up our telescope. Stella Lake is a short one-mile hike from the Summit Trailhead that is relatively flat and another spot that it’s easy to get great pictures of the night sky.
Where to Stay and Eat
Five campgrounds inside the park, ranging from high-elevation alpine settings to lower desert landscapes. Great Basin Café and Gift Shop, open seasonally, is the only place to get food in the park.
Don’t Miss
While you’re in the park, be sure to visit Lehman Caves and take a guided tour. Take a scenic drive to Wheeler Peak enjoying several pull outs along the way. Be aware that the road is only open during summer months. Be sure to stop and see the Bristlecone Pine Trees, the longest living trees in the US.
Pro Tip: We like to use this travel telescope by Gskyer when out star gazing. It has a phone adapter to take pictures and comes with a carrying case.
Stop 2: Baker, Nevada
Why Stop Here
Baker is the gateway to Great Basin, but it’s more than just a pass-through town. It’s quiet, quirky, and surprisingly photogenic at night.
Best Stargazing Spots
Baker Archaeological Site where the Milky Way arches over the sky above like a rainbow is a must stop. The Ranching Exhibit area just outside of town also offers great night sky viewing. For some great backdrops for your pictures, wander around town for rustic buildings and roadside art. Basically, anywhere just outside town is wide open skies.
Where to Stay and Eat
Baker has everything to fit your style of accommodation: campground, RV park, hotels, inns, and even houses to rent. You will also have a delicious choice of food options. There are locally owned restaurants, food trucks and a general store. You’ll find all services here.
More to Explore
Baker is the welcome mat to Great Basin National Park, but the town itself is worth exploring! Visit Border Inn, a hotel whose rooms are in Utah while its office, restaurant, and casino are located in Nevada. Learn more about the Fremont Culture at the Baker Archaeological Site; and more recent Baker history at the Ranching Exhibit. On the outskirts of town you’ll find eclectic, whimsical roadside art at the Permanent Wave Society. About 12 miles from Baker is Lexington Arch. What makes it unique is its limestone composition.
Stop 3: Ely, Nevada
Why It’s Worth the Stop
Ely is one of the best all-around stops on this route; good food, solid lodging, and tons of photo-worthy backdrops. Ely has the highest concentration of interesting places that are worthy of your dream dark sky photograph and star gazing
Best Stargazing Spots
Ward Charcoal Ovens and Cave Lake State Park offer clear skies and interesting foregrounds for the amazing dark sky background. But you don’t need to go far from town as the neon lights of Ely offer a unique glow to the night sky.
Where to Stay and Eat
Ely has an array of dining options, for such a small town. You can find anything from steakhouses to smoothies and everything in between. Economy Drug offers a vintage soda fountain that serves delicious sandwiches and milkshakes.
Ely has you covered when you need a rest. From nationally branded hotels, casino properties and small mom and pop motels you will find a comfortable place to rest your head.
More to Explore
Check out downtown with a stroll to look at the murals. Visit White Pine Public Museum to learn more about the history of Ely. Step back in time at Ely Renaissance Village where you’ll find authentic buildings and demonstrations. Try your luck at the two casinos here.
Even if you visit Ward Charcoal Ovens at night, head back over during the day and explore these unique structures. Hop aboard the Nevada Northern Railway for an unforgettable experience. Looking for something unique? Rockhound at Garnet Hill.
Pro Tip: It is about 168 miles from Ely to Tonopah on US-6, so be sure to fill up on gas, snacks and water before you head out. There are no areas along this route to get gas, food, etc. People say this should be called the Loneliest Road in America instead of Highway 50.
Stop 4: Tonopah, Nevada
Why It’s a Stargazing Favorite
Tonopah sits right in the middle of some of the darkest skies in Nevada. It’s also home to one of the easiest stargazing setups in the state.
Best Stargazing Spot
Tonopah Stargazing Park has everything you need for great stargazing. Concrete viewing pads, benches and picnic tables and Telescope alignment coordinates. It’s about as beginner friendly as stargazing gets.
There are great places for nighttime photography in and around Tonopah whether you want to capture only the night sky or have a landmark in the foreground. If you prefer a nature setting for your photos, you will find many natural formations around Tonopah such as the Crescent Sand Dunes.
Where to Stay and Eat
From fast food chains to local mom-and-pop eateries, Tonopah offers some of the best pizza and burgers around.
From the scariest motel in the U.S., the Clown Motel, to one of the most haunted hotels in the world, the Mizpah Hotel, Tonopah offers unique overnight experiences you will not find anywhere else. If you prefer a “normal”, calm overnight, Tonopah has plenty of great choices from brand name chains to local hotels.
More to Explore
The Clown Motel is a must stop when in Tonopah. The lobby alone has over 2,000 clowns. For more creepiness, visit the Old Cemetery next door and read the epitaphs of Tonopah residents with the self-guided walking brochure. Even if spookiness isn’t your thing, you should stop in the historic Mizpah Hotel. Even though it was voted as the #1 Haunted Hotel in the US, it’s a pretty lobby and a great stop. The creepiness doesn’t stop here; Tonopah Liquor Company offers seasonal tours of their haunted basement.
That’s not all there is to do in Tonopah, historic downtown offers many murals and monuments. Visit the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, the original mine site of Tonopah’s founding father Jim Butler. Don’t forget to visit Central Nevada Museum. You can also relax a bit and enjoy some casino action in one of the three casinos; it is Nevada after all.
Pro Tip: You don’t want to forget your camera here. From creepy to historic you’ll want pictures for memories of Tonopah (and the whole trip). We love our Kodak PixPro, if you’re looking for a new camera. It not only takes great pictures but takes great videos too!
Stop 5: Goldfield, Nevada
Why It’s Worth Pulling Over
Goldfield is small, weird, and full of character, in the best way. It’s also wide open, which means great stargazing.
Best Stargazing Spots
There are lots of great places to stargaze in and around Goldfield. It is so open around town that it’s easy to see an abundance of stars. Diamond Field Gulch is a primitive camping site where there are few lights and great stars. Gold Point Ghost Town provides some great foregrounds for your photos.
The Goldfield Hotel and Goldfield Cemetery may bring your nighttime photographs to life. The International Car Forest of the Last Church provides great background photography for night sky.
Where to Stay and Eat
Goldfield has lots of choices for great food, but Dinky Diner is a local favorite, especially for breakfast. You won’t starve here. Lay your head in the Santa Fe Motel or Goldfield Stop Inn. If that’s not your thing there is an RV Park and campground. Diamond Field Gulch offers primitive camping; with a night sky view you’ll never forget. Be aware that there is no gas available in Goldfield.
More to Explore
Want to explore Goldfield during the day? The Goldfield, self-guided, Walking Tour will take you through the historic district with stops at the Courthouse, High School, and Hotel. Don’t be surprised when the local wild burros show up, snap a shot, but not too close. The Goldfield Art Car Park Gallery is a vibrant collection of art cars that adds a colorful twist to the town.
Take a drive up to Florence Mine and enjoy the view, that will take your breath away or schedule a unique underground tour. Gemfield is a dream for rockhounding. The International Car Forest of the Last Church is a must do with all the unique art installations. Ride the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad for some history and beautiful landscapes.
Stop 6: Beatty, Nevada
Why It’s a Great Basecamp
Beatty sits just outside Death Valley and gives you easy access to both desert landscapes and dark skies.
Best Stargazing Spots
Beatty is surrounded by public lands, where dark skies abound. Beatty is near Rhyolite Ghost Town which has some amazing back drops for that perfect photo. For real darkness, take one of the dirt roads outside of town, pick a spot and enjoy the stars.
Where to Stay and Eat
Beatty has an array of dining options to keep you satisfied. You can find everything from Texas barbecue and Mexican food to coffee and everything in between. Check out some of the historic bars like the Happy Burro Chili & Beer, Sourdough Saloon and the Exchange Club Casino. Don’t forget your fuel and snacks at the famous Death Valley Nut & Candy Store or Rebel/Arco before heading out on your excursion to view the stars.
There are rooms from national chains, casinos, and local hotels to accommodate your stay. Looking for an RV park? There’s one here.
More to Explore
Take a stroll downtown and check out the mural of the local wild burros and do some shopping. Learn about the town’s history at Historic Beatty Museum and Historical Society. Try your luck at the casino. Visit Area 51 Alien Center, a quirky roadside stop for alien themed souvenirs.
Visit Goldwell Open Air Museum to enjoy larger than life statues. Head to Rhyolite Ghost Town to see a collection of ruins of this once thriving gold mining town. Visit Tom Kelly’s bottle house. This a house built entirely out of beer bottles and adobe mud. 51,000 bottles to be exact!
Final Stop: Death Valley National Park
Why It’s Legendary for Stargazing
Death Valley National Park is a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park, which is basically the highest rating you can get. Pretty much anywhere in the park will be great for dark skies.
Translation: it’s ridiculously dark.
Best Stargazing Spots
During the fall, winter and spring you can enjoy ranger led astronomy programs. Popular locations for viewing and photography include Harmony Borax Works, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, and Ubehebe Crater. Or find your own favorite spot.
Where to Stay and Eat
Make sure to come prepared and have a plan. Some areas within the park can be hours from the nearest food services. Limited services such as gas stations, restaurants, and small convenience stores can be found at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs.
Driving distances between sightseeing and lodging can be long. When picking a place to sleep, you should consider the location of the lodging and what parts of the park you plan to see.
Tips for Driving the Starry-est Route in America
This isn’t a casual cruise. Wide open spaces, Nevada’s largest animals (think Rock Mountain Elk and wild horses) and few amenities. A little prep goes a long way.
Be Ready for Remote Travel
-Little to no cell service. Consider investing in a satellite communicator. They are a little pricey, but worth it if you need help and there’s no cell service. We like this one from Garmin.
-Long stretches without gas or food. Fill up before you leave each town. Be sure to have plenty of water and snacks.
-Limited emergency services. Always carry an emergency safety kit in the car. We like this roadside safety kit from Everlit. It even comes with a first aid kit.
– Check travel advisories. Be aware of road closures and road conditions.
Learn More: Desert Safety & 4WD Preparation Tips for Remote Desert Travel
Pack Like You Mean It
-Water and snacks – If you’re going to be away from your car while star gazing, be sure to take a water bottle with you. It may seem cool at night, but you can still dehydrate in the arid desert.
Extra fuel – When travelling anywhere that there are sparse amenities you should always have a gas can in your car.
Layers – Desert temperatures change fast especially when the sun goes down. Layering is your best bet.
Navigation tools – Paper maps are a must in remote areas with limited cell phone access. You still should use your GPS when cell service is available.
Stargazing Tips
Plan around the new moon – The few days before, during and after a new moon is best. Consider getting a stargazing calendar to help plan best times for what you want to see like the Milky Way or Meteor showers.
Let your eyes adjust – Give it 20- 30 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark.
Use red light to preserve night vision – White lights from flashlights, cell phones, or vehicle headlights can harm your night vision. A red light is much better for stargazing because it won’t impact your night vision as much. These flashlights are nice because they are small for your pack.
Learn More: Best Time to Visit Dark Sky Parks for Stargazing
Final Thoughts
Park to Park in the Dark isn’t just a road trip, it’s an experience. It’s empty highways, unexpected stops, and night skies that make you pull over just to stare for a while.
If you’re looking for something different, less crowded, rawer, and honestly a little underrated, this is one of the best road trips you can take in Nevada.
Just don’t rush it. This is one of those trips where the space in between is the whole point. And once you do this trip, you’ll find Nevada has some of the most amazing dark skies and you’ll want to keep coming back to see them again.
We love to share tips and information we learn along the way to help you plan your next trip. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.