Stargazing Near Los Angeles: The Best Locations Within 1-2 Hours
Lying within a 1-2 hour drive from Los Angeles, California, the landscape is brimming with stellar sites for stargazers. Whether you favor a bustling celestial event or the serene solitude of the wilderness, there's a perfect spot for you. From desert vistas to meticulous astronomical sites, explore the best locations near Los Angeles to witness the enchantment of the cosmos.
1. Mt. Pinos: A Popular Favorite for Nighttime Telescopes
One of the most recommended destinations for stargazing near Los Angeles is Mt. Pinos. If you plan to visit on a new moon Saturday night, you'll be delighted to find the parking lot of a Nordic ski lodge at nearly 9,000 feet elevation teeming with telescopes—potentially dozens or even over a hundred! The camaraderie of the astronomy enthusiasts means you won't need your own telescope to enjoy the view.
Not to mention, you might have the opportunity to view through some impressive optics. Once, I climbed a ladder to peer into the eyepiece of a 24-inch F/4 telescope, focused on a faint galaxy in the Ursa Major cluster. The friendly atmosphere and the chance to observe through professional-grade equipment make this site a star among other stargazing locations.
2. The Mecacopia Trail: An Unpolluted Stargazing Hub
For the reward of an almost light-pollution-free sky, head to the Mecacopia Trail, located just east of the Coachella Valley. While it’s a bit more than 2 hours away from LA, it is the closest option for a pristine stargazing experience. The trail offers a true connection with the night sky, providing a chance to witness countless stars without any artificial light obfuscating the view.
3. Northern Route to Remote Sites
If you're looking for solitude or a truly dark sky experience, consider exploring the northern routes beyond Palmdale, Lancaster, and Mohave on Interstate 14 (I-14). The Randsburg area in particular, with its numerous abandoned mine and mill sites, provides an eerily beautiful backdrop for stargazing. The darkest skies and lowest temperatures are found right off U.S. Route 395, where, despite the desert setting, the temperature remains relatively mild except in winter and early spring.
Additional Options: Holcomb Valley and Big Bear Lake Area
For a night drive within a two-hour radius, you might want to explore Holcomb Valley or areas like Big Pine Flats and Horse Springs Campgrounds located in the Big Bear Lake area. Holcomb Valley is accessible by car, but Big Pine and Horse Springs Campgrounds might require a pickup truck for convenient access.
Overall, the best stargazing experiences near Los Angeles are within a short drive and reflect the diverse landscapes and atmospheres of Southern California's night skies. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or an astronomy enthusiast, you're sure to find a site to capture the magic of the cosmos.