Arizona Is Home To One Of The Best Dark Sky Parks In The World
By Katie Lawrence|Published September 20, 2022
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Did you know there are 12 Dark Sky Parks in Arizona? In fact, the Four Corners region has more designated Dark Sky Places than anywhere else in the U.S. One of the most underrated Dark Sky Parks in the Grand Canyon State is Pipe Spring National Monument in Kaibab. This unique place not only boasts stellar night skies (pun intended), but also fascinating Native American and pioneer history.
Located just south of the Utah state line in the small town of Kaibab, Pipe Spring National Monument is one of the most underrated Dark Sky Parks in Arizona.
In the mid-1800s, Mormon pioneers arrived and settled on the property before losing ownership in 1887.
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In 1923, the National Park Service acquired the site with the intent to turn it into a national monument memorializing both American Indian and western pioneer life.
Visitors can stroll along a half-mile trail, admire historical structures and pieces of equipment, and enjoy living history demonstrations and daily tours.
On any given evening, you can see the Milky Way band as well as millions of stars illuminating the darkness with their magical glow.
There's no such thing as a bad time to go stargazing at Pipe Spring, but if you're looking for a more in-depth experience, the park holds an annual Star Party in collaboration with the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians.
No matter what time of year it is, however, staying at the campground lets you extend your Pipe Springs experience and gaze at the stars all night long.
