Written by: Sarah Hinds Friedl
What is dark sky tourism?
Dark Sky Tourism, often called Astrotourism, is a growing trend in the world of travel. The idea is simple: you go to places in the world where artificial light is limited so that you can enjoy the night sky in its most natural state.
As we’ll discuss more in this article, there are many reasons why this trend is becoming so popular in 2026, and why Mammoth Lakes is a prime location to enjoy the night sky.
What are the benefits of dark sky tourism?
Why are people suddenly so enthusiastic about being in the dark? Well, there are more benefits to vacationing in areas with lower light pollution than you might expect!
Low light pollution = better stargazing
Being able to see the stars is the most obvious reason why people love dark sky tourism. And it turns out that stargazing isn’t only enjoyable, but it’s also good for us! Studies have shown that people who actively participate in stargazing report higher mental wellness scores. This is likely due to the fact that sitting under the stars has a calming, meditative effect. Being able to see the vast expanse of stars and planets also gives some people a sense of gratitude or belonging in the world. And hey, there’s no denying that the night sky is simply pretty, and looking at pretty things gives us a sense of happiness and wellbeing.
Scientists also point to the positive impact that seeing stars has on our sense of wonder and interest in the universe. It’s perhaps no surprise that states with lower light pollution also report higher rates of interest in astronomy and other natural sciences. This can be especially exciting for parents traveling with young kids who may not have experienced the night sky in such a pristine state.
Better sleep
One thing that we often hear from guests who come to stay at Mammoth Mountain Reservations is that the absence of noise and light helps them to sleep better. And that’s supported by science, too.
When we sleep in darkness, the experts say, our brain naturally produces melatonin, a key hormone in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. What’s more, a 2022 study found that participants were best able to maintain healthy, restful sleep when they limited their exposure to artificial light during the day and slept in a very dark room at night.
Now, we should mention that not all areas of Mammoth are completely light-free at night. So if you want to improve your sleep, make sure to book a condo that gets good natural light during the day and faces the surrounding wilderness for total darkness at night. For example,
Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club, Unit 13
2 BR | 2 BA | 6 Guests
Healthier biodiversity
Artificial light doesn’t only have a negative impact on humans. Birds, mammals, fish and amphibian populations have all shown changes as a result of light pollution in unique ways. Migratory birds, for example, are known to become more confused and exhausted when bright lights interrupt their seasonal flight path. And animals that previously relied on the cover of darkness for foraging are now more vulnerable to predators. If you grew up in an area with frogs or toads, you might know that amphibians tend to wait until darkness to start their mating calls, a practice that has been limited by artificial light.
Many of the folks who are interested in dark sky tourism, then, are in it for the chance to enjoy more wildlife encounters! To be sure, if you go for a walk in the early morning or late evening around Mammoth Lakes, you’re likely to hear a whole symphony of healthy, active wildlife.
Lower carbon footprint
Some people are drawn to the dazzling lights of Vegas, New York, or Paris, but others would prefer a vacation with a lighter impact on the environment. Destinations that feature fewer street lamps, billboards, screens, and spotlights fit the bill for folks who want to travel with a lower carbon footprint.
Here in Mammoth, you’ll notice that while our main streets are well-lit at night, most residential areas are not as flooded with street lamps as other towns or cities.
How to plan a dark sky vacation in Mammoth Lakes
If you think you’d like to explore astroturism for yourself, here are a few tips to start planning your next adventure!
Consider planning your trip mid-week
The town of Mammoth Lakes is quieter during the week, which makes it an even better time to enjoy the great outdoors with fewer crowds and less light pollution.
Keep an eye on the weather (and the moon cycle)
There’s nothing that can put a damper on your dark sky adventure like a cloudy night or rainstorms. The good news is, summers here are more likely to give you clear skies than cloudy ones. But it’s still a good idea to check the weather report in advance.
Another thing to keep an eye on is the moon cycle, because when it’s full, the brightness from the moon will affect your ability to see other stars. Of course, if you’re here to snap amazing pictures of the full moon, it will look incredible with the silhouettes of the Sierras in your frame.
If you don’t have a telescope, bring binoculars
To be sure, you don’t have to bring any special equipment to enjoy stargazing in Mammoth Lakes. Simply sit back in a comfortable camping chair or lay out a picnic blanket and take it all in. But, if you do want to enhance the experience, a pair of binoculars can be a game-changer. From there, you might even consider investing in a telescope.
Put your phone away
Sure, your phone has apps that can make stargazing more enjoyable. But the white light from your phone will prevent your eyes from adjusting to the darkness. Luckily, there are a couple of possible solutions.
For one thing, you can browse through an astronomy book or online astronomy materials before you head out. That way, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll be looking for.
Or, you can switch your phone to red filter mode. The red light won’t affect your night vision as harshly as the standard mode. Remember, though, that one of the benefits of stargazing is being present and enjoying nature. So, we would certainly recommend that you limit how much of a role your phone plays in the experience.
Considering bringing a night camera
Photography is a hobby that goes hand-in-hand with stargazing. If you want to not only experience the beauty of the starry night sky in the present moment but also capture it in high-def, make sure that you pack some night camera equipment.
Pack layers
Summer is the best season to enjoy astrotourism in the Eastern Sierra. But even in our warmer months, nighttime can be chilly! Make sure that you wear layers so that you can keep yourself warm while you sit quietly and take it all in.
Take some safety precautions
There are a few ways that you can make sure that you’re safe while stargazing in the Eastern Sierra:
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Drive slowly. Driving on backroads can pose some unanticipated hazards that can leave you with a flat tire in the middle of the night. So, make sure to drive slowly and stick to well-trodden roads.
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Be aware of your surroundings. Remember that you’re sharing the great outdoors with wildlife, so keep an eye and an ear out for coyotes, bears, or puma. In general, they’ll leave you alone, but it’s always best to make your presence known so that you don’t spook the wildlife.
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Don’t venture out of cell reception areas. Especially if you’re not familiar with the area, there’s no need to drive way out into remote areas to enjoy stargazing. Instead, you’ll want to stay within cell reception range so that you can use GPS and call someone if you need assistance.
Is a dark sky vacation in the stars for you?
If the answer is yes, there’s no better place to enjoy all the benefits of astrotourism than right here in Mammoth Lakes. Take a look at the condos available on our website to serve as your home base for your next dark sky vacation!