Wyoming, with its untouched beauty of the American West, is not only renowned for its majestic national parks during the daylight but also serves as a paradise for those passionate about stargazing at night. This state features expansive lands, minimal light pollution, providing an ideal setting for admiring countless twinkling stars. Join us at Travel Across the World to explore the best stargazing photography spots in Wyoming where you can immerse yourself in the vast universe and capture magical moments of nature.
Located in the mountainous western regions of the United States, Wyoming, known as the “Equality State” and the “Cowboy State,” is famous not only for its magnificent national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton but also as a dream destination for astronomy and night sky photography enthusiasts. With a sparse population, vast landscapes, and a high altitude above sea level, Wyoming offers an exceptionally dark and clear night sky, ideal for witnessing the Milky Way’s beauty along with numerous stars. If you are a stargazing photography enthusiast, Wyoming should be on your must-visit list.
Yellowstone National Park – A Symphony of Light Amidst Wilderness
Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and the world, is famed for its unique geothermal wonders and diverse ecosystems. During the day, visitors can explore the erupting Old Faithful geyser, the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, and the majestic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. However, when night falls, Yellowstone transforms into a mystical and enchanting spectacle.
Spanning over 8,983 km², most of Yellowstone is remote, far from major cities and densely populated areas. This significantly reduces light pollution, creating an almost perfect night sky. In Yellowstone, you can easily observe the Milky Way stretching across the sky, twinkling constellations, and even spectacular astronomical events like meteor showers.
Ideal locations for stargazing photography in Yellowstone National Park include:
- Yellowstone Lake: With its expansive water surface, Yellowstone Lake reflects the starlight shimmering, creating a romantic and magical scene. You can head to the south or east shore for the most unobstructed views.
- Hayden Valley: Hayden Valley, featuring vast open grasslands and the winding Yellowstone River, provides an excellent spot for photographing the Milky Way sprawling across the sky. It also serves as a habitat for numerous wildlife, allowing you to merge wildlife photography by day and star photography by night.
A starry night at Yellowstone Lake reflecting starlight
- Old Faithful Geyser Area: While this area may be crowded during the day, at night, you can witness the mystical beauty of Old Faithful erupting under a starlit sky. The subtle glow from the geyser paired with the starlight crafts a unique nature painting.
When capturing night sky photos in Yellowstone, keep the weather and temperature in mind. Mountain regions typically experience low temperatures at night, especially in winter. Prepare warm clothing and necessary protective gear. Also, check the weather forecast to choose cloudless, clear nights for the best viewing conditions.
Grand Teton National Park – Where Majestic Mountains Meet the Universe
Located just south of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park is renowned for the spectacular Teton Range, pristine lakes, and rich biodiversity. Grand Teton is also an ideal destination for stargazing photographers, with its dark night sky and stunning natural backdrop.
The Teton Range, with its dramatic peaks and unique shapes, offers a striking backdrop for night sky photos. Visit lakes such as Jackson Lake, Jenny Lake, or String Lake to capture the reflection of starlight on the water surface, combined with the distant majestic mountains.
Suggested spots for stargazing photography at Grand Teton National Park include:
- Oxbow Bend: The Oxbow Bend viewpoint, where the Snake River meanders into a U-bend, is a famous location for sunrise and sunset photography. However, at night, it also becomes a magnificent spot for stargazing photography. Capture the Milky Way extending across the sky, reflecting on the serene Snake River, with the imposing Teton Range in the background.
- Mormon Row: Mormon Row, with its historic wooden houses and vast grasslands, provides a unique setting to incorporate foreground elements in your night sky photography. Capture the Milky Way above the historic barns, creating a timeless and mysterious scene.
Like Yellowstone, the weather in Grand Teton can change rapidly, particularly at night. Ensure you are well-prepared with clothing and equipment and always keep updated with weather information before embarking on your stargazing photography journey.
Devils Tower National Monument – A Legendary Presence Under Starry Skies
The Devils Tower National Monument, a massive basalt monolith rising prominently in Wyoming’s vast plains, is not just a unique geological wonder but also an intriguing spot for stargazing photography. With its unusual shape and impressive height, Devils Tower adds a distinctive highlight to night sky images.
The area surrounding Devils Tower is sparsely populated with minimal light pollution, allowing for clear night sky observation. You can explore the parking areas or hiking trails around Devils Tower to find the best photographic angles.
When capturing starry night photos at Devils Tower, experiment with various angles and frames. Photograph Devils Tower from afar with the Milky Way arching above or take close-up shots of the tower amidst sparkling stars. You might also try time-lapse photography to capture the movement of celestial bodies across the night sky.
Other Areas in Wyoming – Discover Hidden Stargazing Gems
Beyond Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Devils Tower, Wyoming hosts numerous other locations perfect for stargazing photography. Untamed lands, serene small towns, and lesser-known state parks can offer unique and diverse stargazing photography experiences.
Other recommendations for stargazing adventures in Wyoming include:
- Independence Rock State Historic Site: Independence Rock, an important historical landmark on the Oregon Trail, sits amid Wyoming’s vast plains. The site boasts a very dark and clear night sky, ideal for observing constellations and the Milky Way. Explore historical insights while engaging in star photography at this locale.
- Sheridan: The town of Sheridan, located in northern Wyoming, is a convenient stop on the way to Yellowstone and Devils Tower. The surrounding region boasts numerous ranches and agricultural landscapes with relatively dark night skies. Venture to the outskirts of Sheridan to capture starry skies, paired with peaceful rural scenery.
- Newcastle: Situated in eastern Wyoming, near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, the town of Newcastle is another excellent option for combining tourism with stargazing photography. The area around Newcastle features hills and forests, offering diverse natural backdrops for night sky photographs.
Tips for Capturing Stellar Photos in Wyoming
To achieve beautiful and impressive stargazing photos in Wyoming, meticulous preparation of equipment, skills, and knowledge is crucial. Here are some helpful tips:
- Equipment: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with excellent low-light performance, a wide-angle lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or larger), a sturdy tripod, a flashlight or headlamp, and optionally, a remote shutter release or cable release.
- Skills: Familiarize yourself with camera settings for night sky photography (Manual mode, high ISO, wide aperture, slow shutter speed), focusing to infinity, framing techniques, and astronomy photography apps (e.g., Stellarium, PhotoPills).
- Knowledge: Learn about moonrise and moonset times, the best visibility period for the Milky Way (generally during summer), weather forecasts, and light pollution levels.
- Safety: Always prioritize safety while traveling and shooting at night, especially in wild areas. Inform family or friends of your plans, carry a fully charged mobile phone, and avoid going alone if possible.
Wyoming is truly a haven for night sky enthusiasts and star photography. With majestic national parks, untamed lands, and clear night skies, Wyoming promises unforgettable stargazing photography experiences and stunning images of the vast cosmos. Plan your stargazing photography trip to Wyoming today and unveil the magical beauty of its starry nights!