The One Nevada Airbnb You Need To Book for Epic Dark Sky Views

Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area is considered one of the darkest places in the U.S. Designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2019, it sits between the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge and Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails NCA in northwest Nevada. This incredibly remote area of the state is one of the best spots for stargazing, and with astrotourism becoming increasingly popular, more and more road trippers are seeking out dark sky areas. If you're up for a road trip adventure to this part of Nevada, spending a few nights at the Rockin' TD Ranch House is a celestial retreat with unforgettable views of the Milky Way.

Close to a Dark Sky Sanctuary, the Rockin' TD Ranch House near Vya is in the ideal location for a Nevada Airbnb stargazing adventure. So you know, Vya is a ghost town with no amenities, making this a true off-grid escape. However, the town of Cedarville, CA, is 22 miles away, and that's where you can find a gas station. Massacre Rim is only a 10-minute drive, but the ranch land this vacation rental sits on is also under dark skies.

Starting with the interior, at 1,400 square feet, the single-level guest house is spacious enough for up to four guests with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There's a well-appointed kitchen, and since there are no restaurants around, you'll have to bring ingredients to cook your own food. There's also a home gym with free weights, a stationary bike, and treadmill on the property.

Outdoors is where this property truly shines. This remote destination is a place where you can unplug and find some peace. Step out onto the porch for panoramic views of the 25-mile-long Long Valley, sit by the ranch's rock garden, or go for a hike and enjoy the beauty of nature. But just wait until after dark, when the stars start to twinkle against the pitch-black sky. The more time you spend outside, the more your eyes will see as they start to adjust.

Time your stay with a new moon, and you'll see more of the cosmos than you ever thought possible. The Milky Way galaxy will look so clear without moonlight and, more importantly, light pollution. You may also see the Andromeda galaxy on a clear, moonless night as well, and that's with the naked eye. If you have a telescope, bring it along for views of even more celestial bodies.

With its location so close to the Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area, you must also stargaze there. Visit the BLM website for stargazing tips, and reserve a few nights at the Rockin' TD Ranch House for a Nevada Airbnb stargazing adventure. The Airbnb page also has a list of upcoming celestial events, including dates of new moons, planetary alignments, meteor showers, and more, which will help you plan your stay.

If you want to continue your astrotourism adventures, embark on the epic Park to Park in the Dark, an astronomy route between two dark sky parks: Death Valley and Great Basin National Parks. This is the first road trip of its kind in Nevada, and one that dark-sky adventurers will love.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Nevada dark sky getaway using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.