Park to Park in the Dark: Explore the California to Nevada Astronomy Route

We begin the Park to Park in the Dark route in Southern California's Death Valley National Park. In 2013, it was designated a Dark Sky Park, and to top that off, it has "Gold Tier" status, meaning that you can experience some of the darkest skies on the planet here. To get the most out of your nighttime visit to Death Valley, time your trip when there's a new moon — without moonlight, you'll see even more stars than you ever could have imagined! Also, bring a pair of binoculars to get a closer look.

Known as the "Gateway to Death Valley," the unincorporated town of Beatty is in Nevada, just over the California-Nevada border. Beatty is home to fewer than 500 people, but don't let the fact that it's small allow you to think there's not much to do here. This old mining town has several attractions, including the Rhyolite Ghost Town, the Beatty Museum and Historical Society, and the Goldwell Open Air Museum for art. Dining options are also aplenty here: try the chili dog at the Happy Burro Chili & Beer, grab some brisket and ribs at Smokin' J's Barbecue, or try the breakfast dishes at Gema's Cafe. A stop at Death Valley Nut & Candy Co. to stock up on road trip snacks is also a must.

If you plan to spend the night in Beatty, check out the Desert Gold Death Valley House, a modern architectural marvel on 80 acres of private land — imagine the stargazing opportunities you'll have here! For those who prefer a hotel, try the retro and pet-friendly Atomic Inn.

Driving north for 66 miles on U.S. Route 95, Goldfield is the next rural Nevada town you'll encounter. This living ghost town of around 230 people has several notable historic buildings, including the Goldfield Hotel, the Charles S. Sprague House, and Goldfield High School. There are historical markers around town as you explore. If you need accommodations, including an RV site, in town, try the Goldfield Stop Inn. You can also check out the history or paranormal tours options on its website if you're looking to learn more about the town or explore its (allegedly) haunted sites.

Continuing north for nearly 30 miles is the historic mining town of Tonopah, located at the junction of U.S. Routes 95 and 6. With a population of over 1,600, Tonopah is a bit larger than the last two rural towns. It offers several fascinating attractions and accommodations and is known as a top stargazing destination in the U.S.

To learn about the town's mining past, visit the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. Here, you'll find a museum and a gift shop, and you can take a self-guided tour. At night, head to the Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park for some epic stargazing. The park provides plenty of seating and concrete pads to set your personal telescopes.

While in Tonopah, you can visit and stay at "America's Scariest Motel," The Clown Motel, which is rumored to be haunted. I suppose it doesn't help that it's located next to the Old Tonopah Cemetery! If you prefer to stay elsewhere, try the historic and luxurious Mizpah Hotel on Main Street.

The next leg of this road trip adventure will take you onto Route 6 for over 160 miles to the town of Ely at the junction of Highway 50 (aka America's Loneliest Road). Ely is another desert town known for its mining past, so you'll see plenty of historic buildings during your visit, and I suggest you spend at least one night in town to experience as much as possible. Among the top attractions in Ely are the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, the Ely Renaissance Village, the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, and the East Ely Railroad Depot Museum. With minimal light pollution, Ely is another rural Nevada town revered for its dark skies, and you can board the Nevada Northern Railway Star Train from here on select dates throughout the summer.

For accommodations, try The Prospector Hotel & Gambling Hall, which has an on-site restaurant and fitness center, or the Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall, a landmark hotel with a history dating back to 1929.

The last rural town on this starry route is Baker, which has a population of 26 and is incredibly tiny. From Ely, it takes about an hour to get here, and it's the closest community to Great Basin National Park, only five miles away. You may expect nothing to be here for such a small place, but there is. For a sit-down dining option (the only one in town), visit the Sugar, Salt and Malt Restaurant, which offers an array of coffees and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For snacks, head to the Bristlecone General Store at the aptly named Stargazer Inn, the perfect place to spend the night and enjoy the area's incredibly dark skies.

The last stop on the Park to Park in the Dark route is Great Basin National Park, another designated Gold Tier Dark Sky Park. The incredibly remote national park is also one of the least visited, with just over 143,000 visitors in 2023, but it's one that everyone should visit. Home to the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, bristlecone pines, and the Lehman Caves, the diverse landscape is utterly fascinating. Adventure seekers will love the hiking and camping opportunities, while stargazers and astrophotographers will love the chance to view the Milky Way with little light pollution at night. Like Death Valley, Great Basin has some of the clearest, darkest skies for astrotourism adventures. Check out the calendar of astronomy programs offered at this national park.

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The Park to Park in the Dark route is a fascinating way to experience the night sky between two designated Dark Sky Parks. Before heading out on this adventure, pick up a National Parks Pass for entry into Death Valley and Great Basin National Parks.

Photo credits (from top to bottom): Beboy - stock.adobe.com, Marco - stock.adobe.com, Katrina Brown - stock.adobe.com, travelview - stock.adobe.com, c.moulton - stock.adobe.com, Photo courtesy of Travel Nevada, maislam - stock.adobe.com