WHERE TO STARGAZE
Image: Rob Mains Photography
Fountain Hills is a stargazing oasis in the Valley of the Sun. Shielded from the harsh light pollution of the metro area by the McDowell Mountains and surrounded by reservations and a regional park, we have uniquely dark skies for this area. Here are some great places to stargaze.
YOUR OWN BACKYARD
If you’re a Fountain Hills resident, your own back or front yard might be the perfect place for kicking back under the stars.
A PARK
Stargazing at the parks can be tricky, especially if there’s a sporting event. Try the eastern (back side) of Fountain Park. Four Peaks Park offers great stargazing if the lights are off in the ball field. Golden Eagle Park and Desert Vista Park can be good choices, too, if the ball field lights are off.
PEAKVIEW COURT
This street terminates at a dead end with no houses in the circle. It offers elevated, unobstructed views of the night sky. Please be mindful that this is a residential neighborhood and all respect should be given to the nearby neighbors. Please talk quietly and refrain from playing music from your car. The street is often patrolled when people are stargazing here to ensure all activities are on the up and up. We appreciate the officers who keep an eye on our community.
McDOWELL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
Just six miles from downtown Fountain Hills is the beautiful McDowell Mountain Regional Park. This park has even more amazing views of the cosmos and offers hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails along with a year-round campground.