On a Road Trip Through the American Southwest: A Stargazer’s Adventure

12 September 2021

The forecast was not promising. The sweeping skies of New Mexico appeared clear with ribbons of cerulean, violet, and indigo creating an ombré horizon as the sun receded. However, the clouds would soon roll in. Outside the main house at Los Poblanos, an outdoor fire-pit was lit, and a bottle of wine was opened. There would be no stargazing that evening. This trip aimed to explore the high desert of the American Southwest and the mountains of Utah, but the weather was decidedly against us.

The Journey Begins

Originally, my partner Tony and I had planned to visit Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, a fascinating complex of ruins. But with a hazy outlook, we settled for an outdoor dinner overlooking the farm’s freshly shorn lavender fields. Throughout the night, I peered out at a slurry of rain, hopeful for any glimpse of stars, yet not even a pinprick of light appeared.

The Magic of the Night Sky

There are few experiences as democratic and astonishing as gazing up at a night sky, even amid urban settings. Back at home, while stirring a pot of beans in my kitchen, I caught sight of the full moon through the steam of my factory window, an overwhelmingly golden presence hanging over the Mississippi River. It’s in those moments, particularly in the middle of nowhere beneath a vast Milky Way, that we can feel a profound sense of wonder.

Planning the Perfect Stargazing Road Trip

Many of us seek this sense of wonder, especially in an era dominated by artificial light. With that in mind, my adventure was charted based on dark-sky locations, an increasingly rare find. Using resources from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), I designed a route from New Mexico towards the corner of Arizona and across Utah.

Finding Dark-Sky Sanctuaries

After navigating cloud-covered Albuquerque and Santa Fe, I discovered a hidden gem: Shash Diné, an off-grid eco-retreat in the Navajo Nation. Astrotourism is a burgeoning trend, supported by national park initiatives and local stargazing enthusiasts. The connection that Indigenous peoples have with the night sky offers a deeper cultural understanding of the cosmos.

Shash Diné, created by Baya and Paul Meehan, is a tribute to Navajo heritage and fosters an environment where visitors can connect with nature and the skies. The experience was further enhanced by a Navajo tea ceremony, where Baya shared stories of her ancestors’ seasonal migration with their sheep.

The Wonders of the Dark Skies

As snow began to fall sideways, we took a moment to enjoy the cleared sky revealing a canopy of stars, including Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter. This brief opening underscored the transient nature of our view of the universe, reminding us of the ephemeral beauty of the night.

A Deeper Connection with the Cosmos

Whereas languages and buildings may fade, the celestial bodies have remained largely unchanged since time immemorial. Each generation continues to weave their stories and origins into constellations that twinkle above. In my journey across Utah, I sought sites like Camp Sarika, set in the beautiful landscape of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where storytelling and stargazing intertwine.

Exploring the Utah Landscape

The terrain of Utah offers amazing opportunities for daytime adventures and stargazing. Visitors can immerse themselves in hiking, climbing, or horseback riding before enjoying the beauty of the night sky.

Tips for Stellar Stargazing

Before embarking on your own stargazing journey, consider the following:

• Research dark-sky locations through the IDA.
• Choose between camping or hotel accommodations based on your preferences.
• Engage with local astronomy groups for expert guidance.
• Visit state and national parks which might offer ranger-led stargazing events.
• Always check weather conditions for optimal viewing.

Conclusion

The American Southwest provides a plethora of opportunities for stargazers. Whether you choose to explore peaceful desert landscapes in Arizona or seek the pristine skies above Utah, the journey promises moments of awe and reflection beneath the vast expanse of stars. So, pack your bags and prepare for a memorable adventure with iBestTravel, to discover the marvels of the night sky.