Scottsdale Stars

Just northeast of Scottsdale, McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers expansive desert night skies with very little light pollution from the horizon. The park’s location in the lower Verde River basin provides a stunning backdrop for stargazing. Its 21,099 acres of desert landscape create a peaceful and open environment, perfect for an evening under the stars. You can easily find a spot by pulling off into one of the designated picnic or camping areas. For a more structured experience, the park often hosts guided moonlight walks and night mountain biking events, which you can find on their events calendar. These activities add a touch of adventure to your stargazing trip.  This spot is ideal for locals looking for easy access to dark skies, as well as for families and couples who want a mix of outdoor activity and quiet observation.