Discover Arizona’s dark skies, Indigenous stories, and historic landmarks. From stargazing in Flagstaff to the red rocks of Sedona and the restored beauty of La Posada Hotel, Arizona’s communities are preserving the natural wonders and cultural heritage that connect us to our past.
When I was 14, I decided outer space wasn’t for me.
A wave of unease washed over me when I learned that if the physics of our universe were even slightly altered, everything could cease to exist. I felt small and acutely aware of how little I could control. Existence became too fragile to comprehend, that is, until I went to Arizona.
In Arizona, the link between our existence, culture and nature becomes palpable. Arizona is home to eight Dark Sky Communities, and during my visit, I found a state deeply invested in protecting the nature, history and stories that might otherwise be lost. I felt awoken to the miracle of life, the beauty of the stars and the importance of our past.
My journey began in Fountain Hills, a Dark Sky Community 30 minutes outside of Phoenix. Despite its proximity to a massive city, Fountain Hills is a stargazing sanctuary thanks to the local community. However, their motivation goes deeper than stargazing.
Our first night began at the breathtaking Adero Scottsdale Resorts, which offers stargazing every Friday with The Star Dudes. Our tour guide Vicky got involved in the Dark Sky Community after growing up in Idaho and realizing not everyone can see the night sky.
Did you know that 80 percent of Americans can’t see the Milky Way?
Click here to read the full story on our sister site, Travel Trek & Tour
For more North American destinations, check out our articles here.
PHOTOS: HEADER IMAGE BY KIRD DESOUZA. INSET PHOTO BY ANALISE SAAVEDRA
