Gaze into the Night Sky at These North Tahoe Stargazing Spots
Best Stargazing Spots In North Tahoe
Dark, clear skies make for some incredible stargazing, and North Lake Tahoe is full of them. This all-season destination not only provides the views, but it also has over 300 nights without clouds per year, making it one of the top-tier stargazing spots you can find without venturing deep into the wilderness.
Unsure where to find these incredible stargazing locations while you’re staying in the area? Don’t worry, we have it covered. Today, we’ll share with you some of the best places to stargaze in North Lake Tahoe.
Trek to Spooner Lake for Stargazing
Spooner Lake is well-known by residents in the area as the place to go for sledding in North Tahoe, but did you also know that this Nevada lake is a great stargazing spot as well? There are plenty of facilities for you to enjoy, like restrooms, grills, and picnic tables, and lots of space to set up your telescope or other stargazing equipment.
Tahoe Quarterly’s list of stargazing spots in Tahoe recommends heading over to the northern park of Spooner Lake, about a quarter-mile from the parking lot, for some of the best views of your life. Spot the Milky Way and other constellations on your late-night or early-morning stargazing adventure at Spooner Lake.
Take the Tahoe Star Tour at Northstar California Resort
Not sure you can identify constellations yourself? Look no further than the Tahoe Star Tours, which offers tours of both Northstar California Resort and Spooner Lake’s overhead stars.
Throughout the summer months, you can get a chance to share some poetry and musings about the stars while you gaze through Celestron telescopes, thoughtfully provided by the company themselves. Led by star expert and poet Tory Berendson, these tours combine art and science in a way that will leave you in awe once the tour has been completed. There’s even a chance to win prizes as well as to expand your horizons and learn more about space in a way that’s both engaging and entertaining.
For more information about Tahoe Star Tours along with more information about how to purchase tickets, visit their website.
BBQ and Stargaze at Sand Harbor Beach
If you’re looking forward to a relaxing evening or early morning full to the brimming with stars, there’s no better place to go than Sand Harbor Beach. Because this beach faces south, you’ll get great views of the rising stars over the mountains as dusk falls, and if you decide to have a BBQ with your friends and family, there are plenty of grills and picnic tables to choose from.
The clear skies above Tahoe are especially perfect for getting photos or telescope views of the changing of the moon phases. You’ll also be able to see many of the planets, such as Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn on clear nights, as well as get a glimpse of the Big Dipper.
Camp Out at Sheep’s Flat for Great Views of the Milky Way
For those who are willing to go the distance and camp out for a spectacular night of stargazing, Sheep’s Flat Recreation Area, which can be found off of Mt. Rose Highway, has tons of open space and opportunities for constellation-spotting.
Here is where you will find some of the darkest skies in the entire Tahoe area, with the stars pristine and completely untouched by the small amount of light pollution coming from the various towns around the lake. Even if you’re hoping for a hike lit only by moonlight, Sheep’s Flat offers some great trails that will satisfy your nighttime cravings.
Take an Early-Morning Hike to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout
Searching for somewhere truly special to take a spouse or loved one stargazing? Check out the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout, which can be found near Crystal Bay on a 1.7 mile stretch of well-beaten trail.
However, don’t underestimate this hike, as it’s not for the faint of heart–you’ll encounter only 300 feet of elevation gain but the graded slopes up to 12% will surely challenge you. The view at the top of the fire lookout is more than worth the extra bit of legwork, and if you can get there during the early morning hours, you’ll have the entire place to yourself for stargazing and constellation-finding.
Find Out More Ways to Enjoy Tahoe’s Endless Cloudless Days
North Lake Tahoe is a haven for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts, mainly due to its minimal light pollution and its abundance of clear nights that make for incredible views of the sky. Next time you’re in the area, take a look at some of these stargazing spots for a wonderful night full of constellations and shooting stars.
Wondering where else you can find things to do in North Lake Tahoe? Check out our guide to the best state parks in the area or have a look at our recommendations for hot springs near North Tahoe.