The wide open skies above Jackson Hole aren’t just amazing during the day. At night, the stars put on a fabulous show.
In 2025, Teton County became the world’s first International Dark Sky Community, thanks to Wyoming Stargazing, which was also instrumental in having Jackson Hole Airport crowned the only airport in the world to be Dark Sky certified.
Here’s how you can get a better appreciation for the stars and planets above with the help of a professional astronomer.
WYOMING STARGAZING AND TETON SCIENCE SCHOOLS TOURS
Wyoming Stargazing has integrated with Teton Science Schools and there are full- and half-day wildlife and stargazing tours offered.
• Full-day Wildlife Safari and Stargazing Adventure
On this 12- to 14-hour wildlife tour through Grand Teton National Park, you’ll spy some of the resident wildlife, both furry and feathered, while learning about the geology and history that shaped the Teton area. Once the wildlife tour is rounded out, you’ll be treated to dinner. After the meal, your guide will bring you to the stargazing location where your stargazing leader will already have the telescope set up.
Using Wyoming Stargazing’s powerful telescopes, you’ll be treated to around two hours or more of stargazing under one of the darkest night skies in the lower 48! You’ll have the opportunity to see planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and more.
What's included: Knowledgeable guides, pickup to/from your lodging, sit-down dinner at Dornans or Signal Mountain Lodge, use of high-powered binoculars and spotting scopes, snacks and water for everyone, and use of a large telescope for celestial objects
For more information and to book your tour, click here.
• Grand Teton Wildlife and Stargazing Sunset Tour
This 4-hour wildlife and stargazing option offers the same experiences and inclusions as the 12-hour tour described above.
For more information and to book your tour, click here.
Additionally, there is a full-day wildlife and stargazing tour through Yellowstone National Park. Click here for all the details.
WYOMING STARGAZING
Wyoming Stargazing offers Night Sky Photography tours and various other stargazing opportunities around the area. Visit wyomingstargazing.org.
JACKSON HOLE WILDLIFE SAFARIS STARGAZING TOUR
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris loves connecting people to wild things in wild places with highly trained guides and upscale tours, guaranteed to give you an incredible and educational memory of your visit to the Tetons. And now, it combines wildlife tours with stargazing tours in Grand Teton National Park.
• Half-day tour:
- Maximum of 8 people
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Among other experiences, you’ll have the rare opportunity to witness Saturn’s rings, distant galaxies and the moon’s intricate craters through high-powered telescopes, all while surrounded by the park’s breathtaking natural beauty.
What’s included: Hotel pick up, professional astronomer guide, assorted snacks, hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages, blankets and chairs, and high-powered spotting scopes
For more information and to book this tour, click here.
• Sunset Safari and Stargazing Tour:
You will search for wildlife set against a stunning sunset before settling in as night falls to learn about the wonders of the night sky and look through an impressive computerized telescope.
• Maximum 8 people
• Duration: 6 to 8 hours
What's included: Evening picnic in Grand Teton National Park, stargazing under dark skies, use of a computerized telescope, assorted snacks, hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages, blankets and chairs, and high-powered spotting scopes
For more information and to book your tour, click here.
SNOW KING OBSERVATORY & PLANETARUIM
Snow King Mountain’s Observatory and Planetarium is situated on the crest of the ridge atop the ski resort’s summit; it is the only mountaintop observatory and planetarium in the United States!
This state-of-the-art facility boasts a large (1-meter) Plane Wave telescope available for public observation via on-site staff. The telescope rests on a 20-foot concrete pier anchored in the earth and isolated from the greater structure to prevent vibrations from disrupting its position. The 4,400-square-foot observatory features a 35-seat planetarium space theater and a 40-seat auditorium for group presentations and learning opportunities. Adjacent to the 24-foot dome is a rooftop observation deck where portable telescopes can be set up for additional viewing during astronomical events.
You can choose between Daytime and Nighttime Experiences (from 9 to 10:30 p.m. on select days) or the Late Night Experience from 10:30 to Midnight, also on select days until August 16th).
For more information and ticket prices, visit snowkingmountain.com.
Joe Zartor, astronomer and director of the Observatory and Planetarium, shared a few points about the experiences offered. (For the full Q&A, click here.)
Q: Do you have a favorite aspect of the observatory, or is everything special and a “must-do?”
A: Taking long exposure images with the Planewave telescope is a favorite to explore the wonders of the universe and the amazing software/hardware technology we have at the facility to make the images really come to life!
Q: In your opinion, what is the coolest thing about the night sky?
A: How it changes every night! There’s always something new happening throughout each month of the year, such as comets, the aurora borealis and different planets to look at.
THE LAST WORD
Starry, starry nights are promised in the Tetons, and you should take advantage of a professional astronomer’s guided expertise to ensure your stargazing is not only educational but way more memorable during your visit.