Big Bend National Park

The United States currently has 63 protected areas known as national parks that are operated by the National Park Service. I’m on a mission to see as many of them as I can. I’ve been to 28 so far. Following is a list of where I’ve been in chronological order. To learn more about my journey, please visit darkskyoverland.com.

Discover the five best places to view dark skies in the United States, along with accommodations, tours, and FAQs, in this engaging travel guide about a "dark skies" adventure.

Did you know Big Bend National Park is the #4 rated place in the world to see the stars? This park is so stunning that on clear nights you can see the entire milky way with almost no light pollution. Recently, I checked stargazing off my bucket list and traveled between El Paso and Big Bend on a 5 hour winding road trip. On the way, I discovered all kinds of hidden gems and places worth visiting. In this guide you will find my favorite stops along the west Texas border. What's Included: • 2 Different Routes between El Paso & Big Bend National Park Recommendations In: • El Paso • Fort Davis • Marfa • Terlingua • and every stop in between + potential additional stops farther afield This trip was unforgettable for me and I hope it's something I can help others experience too. Most of West Texas is very rural, so I made sure to include the best advice I have for other people (like me) that are from large urban cities and other climate zones. PS- I visited during the heat wave of late summer 2023, I don't recommend. Consider visiting when it is cooler - it was 115 degrees when I was in town.