In this tour, we will explore the Dark Skies of the Rocky Mountains, a unique experience to admire the stars and the Milky Way. Dark Skies are areas with low light pollution, offering us the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the night sky. We will discover celestial phenomena as we visit places like City of Rocks, Craters of the Moon, Bruneau Dunes, and more. Get ready for an extraordinary adventure under the stars!
Day 1: Salt Lake City
Arrival in Salt Lake City and pick-up of the rental car. The city, surrounded by the towering Rocky Mountains, offers a variety of attractions including the Mormon Temple, the Great Salt Lake, and the vibrant Sugar House district. Fun Fact: Salt Lake City is home to the famous Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the United States. Overnight in Salt Lake City, where you'll have the opportunity to admire the starry sky above the city before embarking on the journey to explore the Dark Skies of the Rocky Mountains.
Overnight: Salt Lake
Days 2-5: Twin Falls - Dark Skies Exploration
During our stay in Twin Falls, we'll have the opportunity to explore various Dark Skies in the region, offering us unique experiences under the stars.
- City of Rocks: Located in southern Idaho, City of Rocks is renowned for its unique rock formations and spectacular night sky. Here, we can admire the stars while soaking in the atmospheric surroundings of this park.
- Craters of the Moon: This national park features a unique volcanic landscape, reminiscent of the lunar surface. At night, we'll have the opportunity to observe the stars in a fascinating and enchanting environment.
- Bruneau Dunes: With its towering sand dunes, Bruneau Dunes offers an unforgettable experience under the stars. Here, we can admire the Milky Way and other celestial wonders in the night sky.
- Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve: Designated as one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world, this reserve offers incredibly clear and dark night skies, ideal for star and constellation gazing.
During these nights, we'll have the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the night sky, away from the city lights, creating lasting memories of our adventures under the stars.
Overnight: Twin Falls
Day 6 - 8: Departure from Twin Falls to Jackson
After an unforgettable experience in the Dark Skies of Twin Falls, we head to Jackson, Wyoming. During our stay here, we'll have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the wonder of the starry skies, exploring the celestial realm at night.
- Yellowstone National Park: Famous for its geysers, canyons, and wildlife, Yellowstone is also an extraordinary place for stargazing. Clear, light pollution-free evenings offer a unique opportunity to peer into the constellations and planets, immersing ourselves in the mystery of the universe.
- Jackson: Nestled amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, Jackson is a prime destination for astronomy enthusiasts. Here, there are numerous guided stargazing excursions offered by local experts who will lead us on nocturnal adventures through the breathtaking landscapes and starry skies of this region.
During these excursions, we'll have the opportunity to use powerful telescopes to observe the stars, constellations, planets, and other celestial phenomena. Our experts will guide us through the night sky, sharing knowledge and insights about astronomy and the legends associated with the stars, making every moment under the celestial canopy a magical and educational experience.
Day 9 - 12: From Yellowstone to Rapid City
After enjoying the celestial wonders of Yellowstone, we'll return the car in Jackson. Subsequently, we'll take a flight from Jackson to Rapid City and there, we'll pick up another rental car to continue our journey. Rapid City is strategic for visiting Mount Rushmore, a national symbol celebrating the great leaders of America's past. Additionally, we can add to our itinerary a visit to the Crazy Horse monument, a monumental project honoring Lakota culture and history. To further deepen our knowledge of Native American culture, we can include a visit to the Oglala Lakota.
Rapid City will become our base for exploring other Dark Skies in the surrounding area.
- Devils Tower: One of Wyoming's most iconic landmarks, Devils Tower is also an extraordinary destination for stargazing. Surrounded by the majesty of the rock tower, we can admire a night sky free from city light pollution, allowing us to gaze at the stars in all their magnificence.
- Custer State Park: With its vast open skies and remote wilderness areas, Custer State Park offers a breathtaking spectacle of the stars. During our visit, we'll have the opportunity to explore nighttime trails and designated observation areas, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of nature and the beauty of the starry sky.
- Badlands National Park: With its surreal landscapes and unique rock formations, Badlands National Park offers an unforgettable stargazing experience. Here, we can walk beneath an expansive night sky, surrounded by the wild beauty of the Badlands, as we marvel at the sight of twinkling stars above us.
Day 13: Car Return and Departure from Rapid City
Day dedicated to returning the rental car at Rapid City airport. With hearts full of memories and unforgettable experiences, we prepare to bid farewell to the wild lands of the American Midwest. Before leaving this region rich in natural beauty, we seize the opportunity to reflect on the moments lived and the spectacular landscapes we had the privilege to admire.
As we head to the airport, we carry with us not only photographs and souvenirs but also gratitude for the shared adventures and the stars that illuminated our journey. We pay homage to this wild land and the night skies that enchanted us, promising to always hold dear the memory of this unforgettable journey through the lands of the Dark Skies of the Rocky Mountains.
