Stargazing in Sedona: Discover the Best Places to Experience the Night Sky

Last Updated June 5, 2026

Sedona is known for its red rocks, but some of its best views come after sunset.

The city has been an International Dark Sky Community since 2014, recognized for its efforts to protect the night sky and reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting. That gives visitors access to excellent night-sky viewing within and around Sedona.

You also do not need a telescope or much astronomy knowledge to enjoy it. Pick a clear night, get away from the brightest parts of town, and give your eyes a little time to adjust.

Here are some of the best places to go stargazing in Sedona.

Centennial Trailhead

Centennial Trailhead is one of the easiest places to start, especially if you don’t want to hike in the dark.

Visit Sedona recommends the area specifically for stargazing, and a short paved path leads away from the parking area toward open views of the surrounding landscape and night sky.

Arrive before sunset and you can catch the last light on the red rocks before staying for the stars.

Baldwin Trailhead

For a classic Sedona backdrop, head to Baldwin Trailhead.

From the parking area, a short walk leads to open slickrock with views toward Cathedral Rock. After dark, the formation becomes a silhouette beneath the stars, which is what makes this one of Sedona's most distinctive stargazing locations.

A Red Rock Pass is required for parking, so take care of that before settling in for the evening.

Beaverhead Flat Scenic Overlook

If your priority is an open view of the sky, drive south toward Beaverhead Flat Scenic Overlook.

The overlook sits a few miles beyond the Village of Oak Creek and is farther from Sedona's lights than many of the trailheads closer to town. Visit Sedona specifically recommends it for unobstructed night-sky views and notes that the Milky Way can be visible here during the summer months.

There is no hike required. Park, find a comfortable place to sit, and let your eyes adjust.

Aerie Trailhead

Aerie Trailhead is another good option on the west side of Sedona.

You can stargaze directly from the trailhead area, with views toward the red-rock formations around Boynton Canyon and Doe Mountain. Visit Sedona recommends arriving before sunset so you can watch the landscape change as daylight fades.

That makes Aerie a particularly good choice if you want to combine sunset and stargazing without changing locations.

When to Go Stargazing in Sedona

A clear night matters more than the time of year, but the phase of the moon makes a big difference.

For the darkest skies and the best chance of seeing faint stars or the Milky Way, plan your stargazing around the new moon. DarkSky International also recommends waiting until astronomical twilight has ended, when the sky is fully dark.

A bright full moon will wash out many faint stars, but it can also light up Sedona's red-rock formations and create a completely different view. So a moonlit night is not necessarily a bad night to go. It is simply a different experience.

What to Bring

Bring a blanket or chair, an extra layer for after sunset, and a flashlight with a red-light setting if you have one. Red light helps preserve your night vision once your eyes have adjusted to the dark.

A stargazing app can also help you identify constellations and planets overhead.

If you plan to take photos, bring a tripod and arrive before dark so you can choose your location and set up safely.

Most importantly, avoid shining bright flashlights or phone screens around other people who are stargazing.

Stay in Sedona

Pop Art Villa Verde makes a convenient home base for exploring Sedona after dark.

Its West Sedona location puts you within easy driving distance of places like Centennial and Aerie trailheads, while still keeping the rest of Sedona accessible during the day.

Every Pop Art Villa stay includes complimentary personal concierge service. If you would like help planning a stargazing evening or fitting it into the rest of your Sedona itinerary, we are happy to help.