In the rugged heart of Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park, a quiet revolution is taking place—one that’s best experienced not by day, but under a blanket of stars. This spring, the Jackson Hole Airport etched its name into the night sky record books by becoming the world’s first airport to earn the Urban Night Sky Place certification from DarkSky International. It’s a fitting accolade, considering this is also the only commercial airport in the U.S. situated within a national park.
So, what exactly is a “Dark Sky Airport”? Simply put, it’s a place where the glow of artificial lights is meticulously managed to preserve the natural darkness of the night sky. For Jackson Hole, this means not just an operational airport but one where the stars are part of the passenger experience.
A Starry Designation in the Wilds of Wyoming
In tandem with the airport’s achievement, Teton County has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Community—another national first. Together, these designations aren’t just symbolic. They represent a commitment to sustainable lighting practices that reduce light pollution, protect nocturnal ecosystems, and reconnect residents and visitors with one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights: the universe.
“Lack of light pollution overall, high elevation, and low moisture content in the air is what makes this place pretty amazing for stargazing,” explains Samuel Singer, executive director of the nonprofit Wyoming Stargazing, based in Jackson.
The airport didn’t earn this title by simply flipping a switch. Hundreds of lighting fixtures were retrofitted, motion sensors were added, and non-essential screens—like those in the ticketing area—are turned off at night. While critical lighting for aircraft operations still adheres to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety regulations, the surrounding infrastructure has been carefully redesigned to minimize light spill and glare.
A Five-Year Celestial Commitment
This isn’t a one-time accolade. The DarkSky designation includes a five-year action plan, aiming for full compliance with dark sky principles by 2030. Wyoming Stargazing and local officials also hope to expand these efforts into the surrounding federal lands. The dream? To one day establish a Greater Yellowstone International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the most ambitious of its kind.
Until then, the night skies above Jackson Hole are already brighter—or rather, darker—than ever.
Where to Stargaze in Jackson Hole
If you’re planning a trip to Jackson Hole this summer, make time to look up. Whether you’re stepping off a plane or setting out on a backcountry hike, the stars are closer than you think.
Here are some prime locations:
- Antelope Flats: Easily accessible roadside pullouts offer sweeping views of the Tetons and the night sky.
- Colter Bay & Lizard Creek Campground: Located in the northern parts of the park, these areas experience some of the darkest skies.
- Leeks Marina: Perfect for waterside stargazing with minimal light interference.
- Backcountry campsites: For those willing to venture deeper, these remote spots offer total immersion in darkness.
Even within the town of Jackson, opportunities abound. Head up Snow King Mountain to the local observatory where you can ride a gondola to 8,000 feet, tour the planetarium, and peer into the heavens through a state-of-the-art one-meter telescope. Advance tickets are recommended, especially in the summer months.
For a more casual experience, Wyoming Stargazing hosts free public sessions every Thursday night at Rendezvous Park (affectionately called “R Park”), nestled along the Snake River. All you need to bring is curiosity—and perhaps a blanket.
When to Go: Mark Your Celestial Calendar
Though any clear evening offers an excellent chance for stargazing, August is particularly special. The annual Perseids meteor shower, expected to peak between August 12–13, will light up the sky with up to 100 meteors per hour.
And if you’re lucky, Jackson Hole’s high latitude and low light pollution occasionally make it possible to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, especially during periods of heightened solar activity.
Peak stargazing occurs during astronomical twilight, roughly from 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. in June. But even outside these hours, the stars over Jackson Hole dazzle with a clarity that’s becoming increasingly rare in the modern world.
A Celestial Encounter Worth Staying Up For
For visitors used to city lights and illuminated skylines, Jackson Hole’s nightscape is nothing short of breathtaking. “It’s incredible. It’s moving, especially for someone who’s never experienced it,” says Erik Kimball, Teton County’s Sustainability Coordinator. “It’s almost religious in a sense—such a beautiful wonder of nature.”
In a world where natural darkness is increasingly hard to find, Jackson Hole is offering something rare: a place where you can land, look up, and be reminded of your place in the universe. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just someone seeking stillness, take Kimball’s advice:
“Take the time to be up in the middle of the night and peer at the sky for a few minutes. It’s worth it.”
