Sparkling glitter against an infinite black landscape. An orange moon floating above a lush green rolling hillside. We’re not talking about a cosmic lyric from a 70s rock group, but rather the breathtaking sights above you after the sun dips below the horizon. After a day spent hiking, fly-fishing, and soaking in the scenery on the South Yuba River, take time to enjoy the cosmos. It’s an experience everyone should set aside time for.
What Makes Stargazing Special Here
Located in the foothills and mountains of the Sierra Nevada, Nevada County offers the perfect stargazing ingredients. Easy access to great cuisine, culture, and outdoor activities, and yet remote enough to enjoy the stars during your visit.
Best Places to Stargaze
When it comes to the best places to stargaze, the key is finding a spot that’s close enough to access without hiking for miles in the dark, far from light pollution, and most importantly, has an open sky. If you do visit any of these locations, pack a headlamp to get to and from your stargazing location safely.
Hoyt Crossing
When capturing photos of stars, one crucial element to consider is water. It adds depth and character against the vast backdrop of stars above. Hoyt Crossing is a prime location for night sky photography due to its secluded canyon setting, which helps shield against light pollution from nearby homes or buildings.
Little Town Campground
Just a bit higher up, nestled in another secluded canyon, lies the small town of Washington. Once a booming hub with thousands of residents, it’s now a quiet settlement with fewer than 150 people. Reserve a spot at the Little Town Campground, located right along the banks of the South Yuba River. As the water rushes past, take a moment to look up and soak in the vast, dark night sky above you.
Hirschman’s Pond
After enjoying a delicious dinner in downtown Nevada City, set off on the Hirschman Trail, just a mile away. During the day, this trail is a bird lover’s paradise and offers a quick escape into nature. As the sun sets, head to the pond for stargazing. With its glassy waters, giant boulders, exposed cliffs, and hummocky landscape, it provides a perfect backdrop for the night sky.
Omega Diggins Overlook
One of the most important features of a good stargazing spot is easy access. While hiking to a remote location to catch a sunset can be rewarding, navigating a rugged trail filled with ruts, rocks, and other obstacles—even with a headlamp—can be challenging on the way back. The Omega Diggins Overlook, located just off Highway 20 east of Nevada City, offers the best of both worlds. You’ll get a stunning view of the Sierra Range and a vast night sky above—without straying far from your car, making for a safe and convenient return.
Public Piers at Donner Lake
On the eastern side of the county, Truckee offers a variety of places to enjoy the stars, including the public piers at Donner Lake. The gentle lapping of water against the shore, shimmering stars above, and the moon’s glow reflecting on the water create a sensory-rich experience you won’t forget. For more stargazing spots, check out their article: Turn Out the Lights! Truckee Dark Skies & Best Places To Stargaze.
Jackson Meadows Reservoir
Located along the Sierra Crest at 6,100 feet above sea level, Jackson Meadows offers the perfect escape from the summer heat. As the sun sets, the lake’s 1,000-acre surface turns glassy, beautifully reflecting the shimmer of the stars above. Award-winning photographer Leslie Wells shared her experience, saying, “In the Jackson Meadows area, I encountered some of the lowest light pollution in California, which allowed me to capture incredible detail in the night sky.”
All of the Tahoe National Forest
While the locations mentioned above offer especially stunning backdrops for stargazing, you really can’t go wrong anywhere in the Tahoe National Forest. Spanning over 870,000 acres, the forest is filled with river canyons, alpine lakes, secluded woodlands, and wildflower-covered meadows—making it a prime destination to enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
Why Dark Skies Are Important
The sight of the Milky Way or the Coma Star Cluster have entertained and sparked the imagination of humankind for thousands of years. However, dark skies aren’t only about those breathtaking views. Scientists have discovered that light pollution can have far-reaching effects, from increasing the risk of sleep disorders to disrupting ecosystems. For instance, artificial lights can disorient monarch butterflies’ navigation systems.
Celebrating Dark Skies With A Photography Contest
Experts estimate that 80% of Americans—and a third of the global population—can no longer see the Milky Way due to growing light pollution. In response, the Nevada County Arts Council, in partnership with Nevada City, the Truckee Cultural District, and the Town of Truckee, is shining a light on our disappearing night skies through the Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark photography contest.
Both amateur and professional resident photographers are invited to submit their work now through July 27th. Public voting will take place from August 1st to August 10th. Finalists will be announced later this summer, and the winning photographs will be printed and featured in a public gallery reception.
In the meantime, you can explore last year’s breathtaking winning entries on the Nevada County Arts Council’s website. Or stop by the Truckee Exhibition Hall (outside Council Chambers) to view stunning artwork by 6th-grade students from Alder Creek Middle School and Sierra Expeditionary Learning School—creations that highlight the importance of preserving our night skies as a vital part of a healthy ecosystem.
Inspire to Help
The goal of the photography contest is to raise awareness about this critical issue. One simple action you can take is to be mindful of your indoor and outdoor lighting usage. To learn more and find tips on how to join the movement, visit the Dark Sky International homepage. With your help, both visitors and residents can preserve the dark skies for future generations to enjoy. After all, there’s a whole universe out there waiting to be explored.
