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Stargazing in Jackson Hole is exceptional thanks to high elevation, wide horizons, and notably dark skies supported by local policy. In 2025, Teton County was certified as an International Dark Sky Community, and Jackson Hole Airport became the world’s first DarkSky-certified airport, reflecting region-wide efforts to reduce light pollution and preserve night skies. These conditions make Jackson Hole stargazing accessible and rewarding, whether you’re spotting constellations with the naked eye or hunting planets and deep-sky objects. Winter stargazing often delivers the clearest views due to long nights and crisp air.
The night sky in this region changes throughout the year, giving travelers something different to look for each season. On darker nights, you can spot a surprising amount without specialized equipment.
A stargazing app like SkyView, Night Sky, or Stellarium can help identify what’s visible on the specific night you plan to observe. For travelers who are new to astronomy, these tools make stargazing in Jackson Hole more interactive and rewarding.
Even in ideal locations, preparation makes a noticeable difference. The following tips will improve clarity, comfort, and overall visibility year-round:
Practicing these basics will make both summer and winter stargazing more enjoyable and allow you to see significantly more detail in the night sky.
Stargazing in winter in Jackson Hole benefits from long nights and cold, dry air that reduces haze. You’ll also get some of the Northern Hemisphere’s most recognizable patterns overhead: Orion, Taurus, Gemini, Canis Major, and the larger Winter Hexagon/Circle asterism tying many of these bright stars together. On the right night, these are vivid to the unaided eye and excellent through binoculars.
If you’re staying at Tammah, you can enjoy stargazing in Jackson Hole right on the property. Choose a darker pocket on the grounds and face north or south rather than directly toward the Tetons. Facing in these directions typically opens up more of the sky and reduces interference from building glow, giving you a wider, more useful view.
If you want broader horizons or even darker skies, there are several excellent locations within a short drive. These spots are popular with photographers, amateur astronomers, and night-sky enthusiasts:
These areas are ideal for travelers who want the biggest and darkest possible sky views while enjoying Jackson Hole stargazing.
Just a few minutes down the road from Tammah, Rendezvous Park (R Park) hosts free public stargazing every Thursday night through Wyoming Stargazing, a local nonprofit dedicated to astronomy education. It’s a great opportunity to look through professional telescopes, learn about constellations from local experts, and connect with Jackson Hole’s community of night-sky enthusiasts.
Jackson Hole is also home to the only mountaintop observatory and planetarium in the United States, perched at the summit of Snow King Mountain. The facility offers public programs and high-altitude views through large-aperture telescopes, an unmatched way to see the stars above the Tetons.
Stargazing in Jackson Hole is a memorable and unexpectedly accessible experience, especially for winter travelers willing to bundle up and look skyward. With long nights, clear air, and minimal light pollution, the region delivers reliable conditions for seeing constellations, planets, and seasonal highlights throughout the year.
Plan your Jackson Hole stay at Tammah and enjoy easy access to winter stargazing, outdoor adventure, and the best of the Tetons, all just minutes from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Teton National Park.
