A new study looked at which national parks are the best for stargazing, with Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, crowned top. 

The study, conducted by vacation rental site Lake.com, looked at data from the National Park Service’s Night Sky Data Collection Sites to see which national parks are the best for stargazing. They scored each national park out of 100 based on the average percentage of stars visible, and the average median light pollution.

Speaking on the findings, David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com said: “Exploring which national parks and recreation areas are best for stargazing highlights the balance between preserving natural beauty and managing human impact.

“The study of these stargazing locations reveals how geographical factors work together to create ideal conditions for observing stars. As the psalmist said, ‘The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.’ Psalm 19:1 ESV.

“Through stargazing, visitors not only witness the splendor of creation but also gain a deeper understanding of our role in stewarding the natural world.”

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, ranked as the best national park for stargazing, with an index score of 100 out of 100. The volcanic lake based in south-central Oregon is famed for its deep blue color and clarity and is the deepest lake in America – as well as one of the deepest in the world. The park records that 98.6% of stars are visible on average across four data collection sites and the average light pollution ratio is just 0.03.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada, ranks second, with an index score of 88.58 out of 100. This national park is known for its size and diversity, offering visitors the chance to explore a range of natural features including glaciation, rock formations, caves, and bristlecone pine groves. The park records that 97.8% of stars are visible on average across its five data collection sites, and it has an average light pollution ratio of 0.04.

Following in third is Canyonlands National Park, Utah, with an index score of 88.52 out of 100. Based near the town of Moab, the Colorado River and the Green River flow through the national park, and it has a colorful landscape of canyons, mesas, and buttes. The park records that 98.3% of stars are visible on average across its three sites, as well as an average light pollution ratio of 0.04.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, ranks fourth, with an index score of 84.72 out of 100. The Grand Canyon is one of America’s most famous parks, as it has thousands of years of historical and geographical interest. Across all 11 data recording sites, 98.3% of stars are visible on average, and the average light pollution ratio is 0.04.

Rounding out the top five is Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, with an index score of 76.32 out of 100. Filled with cliffs, canyons, and striking rock formations, this national park is known for its stunning scenery. Across its nine data collection sites, 97.6% of stars are visible, and there is an average light pollution ratio of 0.05.

The top 20 best U.S. national parks for stargazing:

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, ranks sixth, with an index score of 74.81 out of 100. As well as being known for its crimson spire-shaped rock formations, the reserve also has a high level of elevation making it perfect to see a sunset before stargazing. The park records that 97.3% of stars are visible on average across 15 sites, and there is an average median light pollution ratio of 0.04.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, is placed seventh, with an index score of 72.04 out of 100. This national park is full of rich landscape, including lakes, alpines, and wildlife, and is a popular destination for those looking to hike or go camping. Across three sites, 96.6% of stars are visible, and there is an average median light pollution ratio of 0.04.

Following in eighth is Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii, with an index score of 72.01 out of 100. Haleakalā is important for Hawaiian culture and is home to endangered species. The park records that 97.5% of stars are visible on average across three sites, and there is an average median light pollution ratio of 0.05.

Arches National Park, Utah, ranks ninth, with an index score of 71.40 out of 100. Housing over 2,000 natural stone arches, and different rock formations, this red-rock utopia is a unique place to stargaze. The park records that 97.2% of stars are visible on average across six sites, and there is an average median light pollution ratio of 0.04.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, is tenth, with an index score of 69.58 out of 100. The national park is perfect for those who want to see clear mountain lakes and volcanoes. 97.2% of stars is visible across three sites, and there is an average median light pollution ratio of 0.05.