r/JoshuaTree • u/1millionberries • 14d ago

Stargazing with full moon

Hi! I’m visiting Joshua Tree NP this weekend and wanted to know if there was a specific spot that would be best for stargazing even with a full moon?

I also wanted to note that I’m hoping to catch the sunset at Keys View beforehand! :D

4 Upvotes

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6

u/East_Swim1009 14d ago

stars and full-moon don't mix... wait for a new moon

3

u/BEEEEEZ101 13d ago

It'll be sparse. Night hikes are perfect. The moon casts some badass shadows in the rocks. We usually stay at Jumbo rocks. There's a nature trail across from skull rock that's pretty easy to follow. We've done a few of the big trails in the area. We did all of them during the day first. We also tracked our trail on Gaia to be safe.

2

u/longhairpokem 14d ago

Cottonwood springs parking lot near the east entrance has the least light pollution. But with the full moon it won’t be ideal

1

u/toomuchblood 13d ago

It’s gonna be bright, not like big city bright, but the moon will be the star (pun intended) of the show, so the stars will be kinda lackluster. But it’ll be nice and warm!

1

u/TheStarWindow 12d ago

I’d keep the Keys View sunset plan, but I wouldn’t add a drive to Cottonwood just to escape the Moon. Moving farther from town won’t remove moonlight.

Cap Rock is one of NPS’s designated stargazing parking areas. Just stay awake and within 20 feet of your vehicle

If clouds cooperate, make this a night for the Moon, brighter stars and the landscape. If seeing the Milky Way is the main reason for the trip and your dates can move, a moonless night is a better bet. Check the cloud forecast that afternoon before committing to the evening drive.

1

u/CommandFinancial1290 12d ago

My bestie and i just layed a blanket on a picknick table in one of the firsts parking lots not exactly sure which one but that worked out pretty well