When the sun sets in Montana, we turn our eyes to the sky to take in a true wonder: the cosmos. Our clear, dark skies offer unparalleled views of the stars, with the Milky Way stretching across the endless horizon. When conditions are just right, the aurora borealis graces the sky with its vibrant lights. Here, we share some of our favorite places to look up and be amazed by stars and our galaxy.
Montana’s seemingly endless sky means countless stars to spot. No matter where you are in Montana, you're likely to get a great view of the night sky. But if you're looking for a prime place to set up your telescope, then head to Lost Trail Pass, on the Montana/Idaho border. It's 7,000 feet above sea level, giving you a totally unobstructed view of the stars. In Missoula, also near the Idaho border, you’ll have views of the impressive mountains backlit by the glittering stars. Hyalite Canyon, just outside of Bozeman, is secluded enough to allow you to see the night sky in all its glory without having to drive hours into the wilderness. Camp at the canyon to make it an all-night adventure!
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Use a night sky chart to determine the best time of night to check out the stars in your location. You can see a lot with the naked eye, so there’s no need for a telescope or binoculars. We recommend a handheld star chart, which allows you to see what stars are visible for that place and time. This is where a red-light flashlight comes in handy. You can also download a stargazing app, like SkyView, but it’s not recommended, given that your eyes should be adjusted to the dark and not looking at a screen. Bring a chair and a blanket, and wear layers — Montana’s nighttime temps are much cooler than daytime temps, even in the summer.
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The Beartooth Highway is one of the best places to see not just constellations of stars but our own luminous galaxy. Drive the scenic route at sunset to reach the top of the road just as night begins to settle over the state. You'll be well above the treeline for a perfect, unobstructed view of the Milky Way. On clear nights, you’ll be able to spot the swirling band of light that makes up our home galaxy — something that only the darkest skies in our country can offer. You can also observe the Milky Way from vantage points in the Bitterroot Valley and from campgrounds along the shore of Canyon Ferry Reservoir east of Helena.
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When most people think of the northern lights, they think far north, like Canada, Alaska or Scandinavia, but what many people don't realize is that, on occasion, you can spot the phenomenon as far south as Montana. Bozeman is a great location for aurora-spotting, and you can spy it just outside of Billings and Kalispell, as well. And, just when you thought Glacier National Park couldn't get any prettier, imagine seeing it illuminated by bright ribbons of color dancing across the night sky. Some tips for northern lights hunting in Montana: Winter, late fall and early spring are the best times to witness the aurora borealis, usually around midnight or 1 a.m. Facing north and staking out a spot in an area with little light pollution gives you the best chance to catch it. Remember to bundle up, as it might be chilly.
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For even more places to enjoy Montana’s dark skies, visit Montana’s Trail to the Stars, which gives details on more than 45 great spots for stargazing across Eastern Montana.
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Explore Eastern Montana’s fascinating badlands by day (including Montana’s largest state park) and renowned dark skies by night. This trip also includes water recreation at Fort Peck Lake, plus museums and friendly small towns along the way.
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Studies have linked the feeling of awe with myriad psychological and physiological benefits, and nothing is more awesome than the natural world. So it’s no wonder that a trip through Eastern Montana—where the night sky is impossibly dark, offering some of the best stargazing in the country, and where megafauna like bison and elk roam immense landscapes—can leave you feeling changed.
