The Starriest Route in America

Start your adventure in Las Vegas, Nevada’s glittering gateway city. Spend your first two nights soaking in the energy of the Strip, enjoying world-class dining, entertainment, and iconic landmarks like the Bellagio Fountains and Fremont Street. If you’re keen to ease into Nevada’s natural side, take a short drive to Red Rock Canyon or Spring Mountain Ranch State Park—both offer stunning desert scenery and darker skies just outside the city. While the city lights may not lend themselves to stargazing, this is the perfect place to adjust, unwind, and prepare for the cosmic journey ahead.

Leave the city behind as you follow part of the scenic Death Valley Rally route, venturing into the stunning, otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley National Park. Spend two nights discovering iconic spots like Zabriskie Point, Dante’s View, Badwater Basin, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. After dark, this International Dark Sky Park becomes a true stargazing haven. During autumn, winter, and spring, you can join ranger-led astronomy programs to learn more about the night sky, or simply enjoy the celestial display on your own from easily accessible locations near Furnace Creek or Harmony Borax Works. Either way, prepare to be mesmerised by breathtaking views of the Milky Way, planets, and constellations set against the vast, quiet desert backdrop.

Next, travel north to Tonopah, one of the best places in the USA for stargazing, according to USA Today. Spend your days exploring the historic Tonopah Mining Park or visiting the eerie Old Tonopah Cemetery. As night falls, head to the Tonopah Stargazing Park, a purpose-built site on the edge of town offering unobstructed views of the night sky. The air is dry, the altitude is high, and the light pollution is virtually nonexistent—making this an ideal spot to spot constellations, meteor showers, and even the Milky Way with the naked eye.

Head east to the historic railroad town of Ely for a two-night stay filled with high-desert charm and exceptional stargazing opportunities. During the day, explore scenic trails and natural beauty at Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park and Cave Lake State Park, both recognized as official Dark Sky Parks. In the evenings, you can return to these parks for peaceful, crowd-free stargazing under some of Nevada’s clearest night skies. For an unforgettable experience, consider boarding the Star Train or the Sunset, Stars & Champagne Train—historic steam locomotives that carry guests into the remote desert for magical nights of storytelling and stargazing. These popular trains run seasonally from May to October, and advance booking is highly recommended, as they often sell out well in advance.

End your stargazing journey in the quiet town of Baker, gateway to Great Basin National Park, one of the darkest places in the contiguous United States. By day, explore the park’s unique alpine terrain with hikes like the Alpine Lakes Loop or a guided tour of Lehman Caves. Come evening, take in the stars from the park’s Astronomy Amphitheatre, where ranger-led talks run every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday during summer (Memorial Day–Labor Day), and Saturdays only through late October. As you gaze up at the Milky Way, framed by silent mountains, it’s the perfect way to reflect on your cosmic Nevada journey.

**Please Note:
Due to limited accommodation options in Baker, NV — the gateway to Great Basin National Park — it may be necessary to base your stay in Ely for an additional two nights. This allows continued access to the park and surrounding stargazing locations while ensuring comfortable and convenient lodging. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the most suitable arrangements based on availability at the time of booking.

Your itinerary concludes when you return your rental car at the designated drop-off location. If you’d like to extend your adventure, speak with your Discover North America Travel Specialist about adding extra destinations or nights to your trip.