Discover the Cosmos: Stargazing & Astrophotography Tours in the American Southwest
Discover the Cosmos: Stargazing & Astrophotography Tours in the American Southwest
Experience the night sky like never before with Southwest After Dark, premier astro-tourism experiences across the American Southwest’s brightest International Dark Sky Parks: Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon, Moab, and Big Bend National Park. We have partnered with Big Bend After Dark and Clear Sky Resorts to bring you the best astro-tourism offerings in the country! Escape the light pollution of your city and join us to learn all about the night sky!
Whether you want to peer into deep space using high-powered Dobsonian telescopes, learn live astrophotography techniques, or capture unforgettable night sky portraits, these expert-guided tours bring the universe to life.
Our Core Offerings
1. The Deep Sky Experience
A hands-on, interactive stargazing and deep-space imaging tour.
Duration: 2.5–4 hours
Highlights:
Laser-Guided Navigation: Learn to use the night sky as a compass and calendar while identifying constellations, planets, asterisms, and star clusters.
Big Telescope Visuals: Look through dual large Dobsonian telescopes with custom cell phone adapters so you can take high-resolution photos home.
Live Deep-Space Astrophotography: Watch galaxies and colorful emission nebulae reveal themselves in real time via a wide-field astrograph and dedicated astronomy camera.
Hands-On Smart Telescopes: Operate smart telescopes yourself to learn how deep-sky imagery is captured.
Ultimate Comfort: Relax in zero-gravity chairs equipped with specialty constellation glasses.
Pricing:
Adults: $100 | Children (Ages 6–12): $75
Deposit: $50 non-refundable deposit
On-Site Setups: We can bring the experience directly to your campsite, Airbnb, or lodging for a $100 setup fee.
2. Remote Dark Sky Adventures
Escape light pollution completely with a tailor-made excursion into pristine wilderness.
Duration: 4–6 hours (departs before sunset)
Highlights:
Captivating sunset views before transitioning into pristine dark-sky conditions.
Set up at exclusive private stargazing locations, pristine spots around the darkest locations.
Includes the full laser-guided tour, Dobsonian visual observation, and mobile astrophotography adapter access.
Pricing:$500 + $50 non-refundable deposit.
Specialized Astrophotography Services
Night Sky Portraiture: Capture incredible, high-resolution portraits of you, your partner, or your group framed under the Milky Way or starry night sky.
Commercial Night Sky Photography: Have an Air BnB, rental property or home in a dark sky location? We capture photos of your property with the night sky for advertising, marketing and listing information.
Astrophotography Workshops & Lessons: Master manual camera settings, tracker setups, deep-sky tracking, and processing techniques alongside an experienced astro-photographer.
Private Events & Gatherings: Add a memorable celestial backdrop to weddings, corporate retreats, birthday parties, and family reunions with custom stargazing setups.
Locations & Service Areas
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT COMING SOON!
Moab, UT (Arches & Canyonlands area) COMING SOON!
Big Bend National Park & State Park, TX
Ready to Explore the Dark Skies?
Space on these tours is strictly limited to ensure an intimate, high-quality experience. Book your Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, or Moab night sky adventure today!
Reach out to stargaze@bigbendafterdark.com for more information and to book.
