Visitors to Arizona may be surprised to learn that stargazing in Sedona is better than most places in the world! And it’s easy to arrange a memorable night of Sedona stargazing with a professional astronomer.
Sedona’s Dark Side
Sedona is a seductive place about two hours north of Phoenix, Arizona. Stunning red rock formations, exciting trails, mysterious vortices, natural healers, and captivating art galleries lure travelers here from around the world. Nearly 100 movies feature the area’s distinctive scenery.
These attractions rightly get a lot of attention. But there’s another side to this tiny town that few visitors discover. And you’ll find it only after the sun dips and darkness descends on the high desert.
Unusual Things to Do in Sedona
I lived in Arizona for more than a decade. Several times a year, I led leadership retreats for teens in high school. Most of my students were raised in the area and already had “seen and done it all”. So it was always a challenge to find new ways of engaging them.
But for overnight school trips, you have to keep the group busy until lights out! We chaperones were constantly on the lookout for new, fun distractions. Ghost tours, escape rooms, video-making challenges, and timed scavenger hunts were always hits. Just think twice about fortune tellers— the news isn’t always good!
Sedona was an annual trek for us, and one popular activity there stands out as “under-the-radar”. (I’ll share a second one at the end of the article, although it’s actually 30 minutes south of Sedona.)
Sedona Stargazing
We struck gold one spring with Evening Sky Tours of Sedona. (The company changed its name to Sedona Stargazing but kept the original name for its website.) The business offers 80-minute, astronomer-led sky-gazing events for small groups using powerful, professional telescopes and high-power laser pointers.
We learned of them from a Native American healer who formed a strong bond with our group and thought we’d enjoy the experience. She was absolutely right.
Sedona – A Dark Sky Community
Groups meet on private property about 20 minutes outside Sedona, which has minimal light pollution due to strict city ordinances. It’s an internationally designated “dark sky community”— only 29 towns in the entire United States qualify for the distinction. Six of them are in Arizona.
You’ll be amazed how different the sky looks in near-total darkness. You have to see it to appreciate it.
Departure times vary with the time of year. The company recommends you avoid scheduling a tour on the evening of a full moon or the four nights preceding one.
Chairs, blankets, and parkas are available if needed. It can get cold in the desert, especially at an elevation of 4,000 feet.
Sedona Stargazing With a Professional Astronomer
Your professional astronomer for the tour will educate the group about the constellations, the origin of their names, and how stars are used for navigation. Using the professional telescope, you’ll see a striking combination of planets, star clusters, galaxies, nebula, meteors, satellites, and more— “up close” and in striking detail. The time of year and other factors influence exactly what’s on the menu on any given night. It’s all impressive.
Stargazing in Sedona – Fun for All Ages
Our guide was great with teenagers and capably answered all their questions. I wasn’t certain stargazing would captivate my audience, but it turned out to be a very interesting and entertaining night that lasted just the right length of time.
Sedona Stargazing – Booking Details
For more information and to book a tour, click here. The current cost per child 12 and under is $76. For everyone else, the fee is $117. Each tour accommodates up to 6 people. If you have fewer than six, they may combine you with other guests. (We had quite a few more than six people and didn’t want to split up; the company worked with us to accommodate the larger number.)
Admittedly, it’s not cheap. But in my opinion, the quality of the location, equipment, guide, and experience justify the expense. It’s very peaceful to be out in the desert at night contemplating the heavens. And frankly, it’s an experience you can’t easily replicate elsewhere.
And now when I spot the International Space Station streaking across the sky, I know it’s not a UFO.
Near Sedona – Out of Africa Wildlife Park
About thirty minutes south of Sedona sits Camp Verde, Arizona. That’s where you’ll find the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. And our group of teens loved it.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park – Hours and Fees
The park is open most days until 5:00 pm, but last admission is at 4:00 pm. Prices range from $28-43 for general admission. (It’s only $12 in the month of your birth.) Among the included features are the Tiger Splash, Creature Feature, Predator Feed, and Giant Snake Show.
For an additional fee, you can feed a tiger yourself, descend the zipline, take a behind-the-scenes tour, or ride the SuperMog.
Combination packages also are available. Just be sure to read the entire daily schedule of activities before planning your visit— some events are available only once or twice a day at specific times.
For more information and to plan a visit, click here.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park – Great Photo Ops
We attended all the included shows and took the narrated SuperMog safari for some added interaction with the animals and great photo ops. These aren’t the insolent, sluggish animals you often find in zoos. The environment feels more authentically wild. But beware the giraffes— they like to kiss, and there’s a lot of tongue involved.
More Things to Do Near Sedona
While in northern Arizona, be sure to see Antelope Canyon, too. Looking for something to do in southern Arizona? Check out this nuclear missile silo! Willing to head next door to New Mexico? Check out the Breaking Bad tour in Albuquerque!
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