Photo courtesy of Alex Draco/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Located outside of the hustle and bustle of Texas’s largest cities, these four International Dark Sky Parks provide incredible views of the nighttime skies and landscapes.
“The stars at night are big and bright” is a line every Texan has said dozens of times. Fewer people know that June Hershey, the lyricist of “Deep in the Heart of Texas,” was actually from Los Angeles. If you’ve ever walked around LA at night, you know the stars are much harder to see, thanks to the city’s lights and smog. While some Texas cities share similar issues, there are plenty of opportunities for stargazing, including Texas’ international dark sky parks.
The International Dark-Sky Association showcases natural areas that protect darkness, allowing nature to exist without light or other noise pollution. As a result, these areas offer incredible opportunities for stargazing and seeing the expansiveness of the galaxy. Texas is home to four of these international dark sky parks—here’s a peek at each.
1. Big Bend Ranch State Park
East entrance | Barton Warnock: 21800 FM 170, Terlingua, TX 79852
West entrance | Fort Leaton: 16952 FM 170 East, Presidio, TX, TX 79845
Known as “The Other Side of Nowhere,” Big Bend Ranch State Park is the largest state park in Texas. Its 315,000 acres stretch along the Rio Grande River in the far west part of the state. In 2018, the park earned gold-tier Dark Sky Park status.
The top spots for stargazing include River Road, West Contrabando Trailhead, Big Hill, and the Hoodoos Trail. In these areas, Big Bend Ranch reaches Class 1 on the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, the darkest skies on Earth. If you want to geek out on some numbers around when the stars are most visible, the Clear Sky Chart has you covered.
Big Bend Ranch State Park hosts several daytime activities, too. You can explore 238 miles of trails on foot, bike, or horseback. The Camino del Rio (FM 170) drive is one of the most scenic routes in the state, and you can take in the sights of both Texas and Mexico by rafting or paddling down the Rio Grande.
While visiting the park, you’re not too far from the Terlingua ghost town and Marfa—which provides an experience every Texan should have at least once.
2. Copper Breaks State Park
777 Park Road 62 Quanah, TX 79252-7679
Photo courtesy of Nicolas Henderson/CC BY 2.0.
Copper Breaks State Park has been open to the public for 50 years, though the land previously belonged to the Comanche and Kiowa. Staying overnight in the park is encouraged since you’ll see some of the most stunning sunsets and sunrises in the entire state.
The park offers monthly stargazing parties from April to November, and there are plenty of other events to check out, too. Meet some longhorns, learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, and discover what it takes to be a birder—an exceptionally helpful skill during migration season.
Copper Breaks State Park is significantly smaller than Big Bend Ranch, but there’s lots to explore. The Juniper Ridge Nature Trail puts you close to the red rock landscape. Freshen up with a dip in Lake Copper Breaks or borrow some gear to fish in Big Pond.
Nearby, you can observe a Comanche ceremonial site from Medicine Mounds or learn more about early Texas artifacts at the Firehall Museum and the Hardeman County Historical Museum.
3. Enchanted Rock State Park
16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Photo courtesy of G. Lamar Yancy/CC BY 2.0.
The first time I went to Enchanted Rock State Park, I remember thinking, “How impressive can a rock be?” My skepticism soon turned into amazement; this state park really is a sight to behold.
The 600-acre pink granite dome is the biggest attraction at Enchanted Rock, though the entire area is majestic. It was officially discovered nearly two centuries ago by Captain Henry S. Brown and his crew as they headed toward the San Saba River. Of course, locals inhabited the space well before then, and the extensive history has led to lots of mystery and intrigue over the years.
Visitors report hearing creaking and groaning or seeing bright lights, a nod to spirits haunting the area. Perhaps a more logical explanation is the expansion and contraction of the granite and the reflection of the moon, creating spooky sounds and visuals. You can descend into a cave near the top of the rock, though you should bring a light to help navigate. You might also hear a scream—it’s not a haunted soul, just a deer.
Enchanted Rock’s Bortle Scale rating is a 3 (remember, 1 is the darkest of skies), and you can spot the Milky Way on most evenings from just about anywhere in the park. Swing by Llano or Fredericksburg for a hearty meal before or after your visit. Stargazing works up an appetite!
4. South Llano River State Park
1927 Park Road 73, Junction, TX 76849
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Cutrer.
As the name suggests, South Llano River State Park is popular for water activities. You’ll see lots of floating, paddling, swimming, and fishing throughout the spring-fed, slow-moving river—all are essential ways to cool off in hotter weather.
Hikers and bikers can also set off on nearly 23 miles of trails, and if you’re visiting between October and March, you’ll likely spot a turkey. The park hosts one of the largest turkey roosts in Central Texas, so gobble up the atmosphere (figuratively, don’t actually eat any turkeys). Visitors have spotted more than 250 bird species throughout the park, so stop by one of the bird blinds and see what you can discover.
Like E-Rock, South Llano River’s Bortle Dark-Sky Scale rating is a 3. The park offers a night activity fee to allow you to stay past 10 p.m., giving you more impressive views of the nighttime sky. You might even be able to spot the Space Station!
Texans are fortunate to have so many wonderful stargazing spots across the state. Stop by any of these international dark sky parks for an awe-inspiring experience. You’ll leave feeling more magical than when you arrived.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
