The best national parks to watch the Perseid Meteor shower

The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most spectacular celestial events visible from Earth. These meteors are fragments from the comet Swift-Tuttle, which last passed through the inner solar system in 1992. As Earth passes through the debris trail left by the comet, tiny particles enter our atmosphere at high speeds, burning up and creating bright streaks of light across the sky.

Read on to explore tips and destinations for witnessing this astronomical wonder.

Starry night sky with the Milky Way over silhouetted trees.

Courtesy of Bill Ingalls/NASA

How and where can I watch the Perseid meteor shower?

The Perseids are renowned for their reliability and intensity, often producing bright, fast meteors with long trails. Occurring annually between mid-July and late August, the Perseids peak in mid-August, when skywatchers can witness up to 100 meteors per hour. For those seeking the ultimate stargazing experience, there’s no better place than the vast, protected skies of the United States' national parks. While the Perseids are visible to the naked eye from locations across the northern hemisphere, the more remote skies preserved in national parks make some of the best locales to view and photograph the meteors.

See the meteors at these six parks

These national parks, many of them International Dark Sky parks, provide perfect viewing conditions for seeing meteors.

Starry night sky with Milky Way over distant clouds.

M Tudor/NPS

Fort Union National Monument

Fort Union in New Mexico preserves the remnants of a 1800s-era military fort, provides a serene and isolated environment perfect for stargazing. Located in a rural area with minimal light pollution, this International Dark Sky park offers dark sky programs throughout the year. The fort's structures add a unique and historical dimension to your stargazing experience.

Great Basin National Park

Great Basin in Nevada is an International Dark Sky Park renowned for its incredible skies and high elevation, making it one of the premier locations in the United States for astronomy enthusiasts. The park’s remote setting and high altitude, particularly from Wheeler Peak (13,063 feet), provides thinner air and clearer skies. Stargaze at one of the several overlooks on Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, or stay overnight at one of the park's campgrounds.

Night sky, Great Sand Dunes National Park

Courtesy of NPS

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Great Sand Dunes in Colorado, famous for its towering dunes and diverse landscapes, provides a unique and awe-inspiring setting for meteor watching. Designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, the park’s distance from major urban centers means very little light pollution. With campsites available at the Piñon Flats Campground or backcountry sites, there’s no need to find accommodations in town.

Starry night over a wooden barn with a large tree to the left.

NPS/Cosmos Diskan

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles located in central California, is a hidden gem for stargazers. Known for its dramatic rock formations and serene landscapes, Pinnacles provides an excellent backdrop for viewing the Perseid meteor shower. The park’s remote location means minimal light pollution and there are several campgrounds in the park so you can easily spend the night.

A small church under a starry night sky.

NPS

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, located just outside Los Angeles, is an accessible yet remarkable spot for viewing the Perseid meteor shower. The mountains, valleys, and coastline provide diverse and stunning backdrops to stargazing. It's proximity to a major urban center makes it a convenient choice for those looking to escape city lights without traveling too far.

The constellation Orion rises over Sunset Crater Volcano.

Courtesy of NPS

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Arizona

Sunset Crater in Arizona is one of the three Flagstaff Area National Monuments, all designated International Dark Sky parks. With its volcanic landscape and clear skies, it’s another fantastic spot to watch the Perseid meteor shower, the monument’s relatively low visitation ensures a peaceful and intimate stargazing experience. It's proximity to Wupatki and Walnut Canyon offers visitors the opportunity to hop between parks and experience more of northern Arizona’s unique cultural and natural landscapes.

Person pointing a laser at the starry sky in a field at night.

NPS

Tips for an out of this world stargazing experience

Arrive before sunset to explore the park and set up your stargazing spot.
Bring a telescope or binoculars to enhance your night sky viewing experience.
Dress in layers as temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially at high altitude.
Use a red light instead of a white one to preserve your night vision.
Bring a star chart or stargazing app to identify other celestial objects while you wait for the meteor shower to peak.
Check in advance for ranger-led astronomy programs to enhance your experience.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, blankets, and reclining chairs for additional comfort.
Watch the weather and be aware of the most up-to-date alerts from nps.gov.
If camping, check for availability and book your campsite ahead of time on recreation.gov.

The Perseid meteor shower is a perfect reason to visit and explore America’s national parks. Whether you choose the rocky landscapes of Pinnacles, the high elevations of Great Basin, the surreal dunes of Great Sand Dunes, the volcanic terrain of Sunset Crater, the accessible beauty of Santa Monica Mountains, or the historical setting of Fort Union, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. And, with so many parks to choose from, you can discover even more places near you with clear and protected skies.

The best national parks to watch the Perseid Meteor shower

How and where can I watch the Perseid meteor shower?