Long summer nights and warm desert breezes make Twentynine Palms the perfect place to experience the wonder of the night sky! As the gateway to Joshua Tree National Park—an International Dark Sky Park since 2017—Twentynine Palms offers some of the clearest and darkest night skies in Southern California. Whether you're here to photograph the Milky Way, catch a meteor shower, or explore the constellations, summer is prime time for stargazing in the high desert. Here’s your guide to what’s lighting up the night sky this season, and how to plan the perfect stargazing adventure:

 

☄️ Perseid Meteor Shower: Peak Viewing August 11–13, 2025

Don’t miss one of the most beloved celestial events of the year! The Perseid meteor shower dazzles skywatchers annually with bright fireballs and glowing trails as Earth passes through debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle. Though 2025 presents a challenge with a bright moon, this spectacular summer display is still worth staying up for.

2025 Viewing Conditions:

  • Active Window: July 17 – August 23, 2025
  • Peak Dates: Primarily August 12 and 13, with rising activity beginning the night of August 11.
  • Moon Phase During Peak: A bright waning gibbous Moon, with roughly 84–94% illumination on August 11–13, will reduce faint meteor visibility.
  • Best Viewing Strategy: Head out after midnight and before dawn, when the radiant is highest, and use buildings or natural terrain to block the Moon for better contrast.
  • Pro Tip: This shower builds gradually and drops off quickly. For the best chance to catch the show, stay out late or set an early alarm and look northeast. Even with moonlight, the Perseids can still deliver awe-inspiring moments!

Why It’s Still a Must‑See:

  • Expect up to 25% of the typical peak—around 15 to 25 meteors per hour under darker skies
  • Perseids are known for vibrant, long-lasting trails which will still shine through moonlight interference
  • Bonus planet pairing: Look east before dawn on August 12 to catch a stunning Venus–Jupiter conjunction

Where to Watch in Twentynine Palms & Joshua Tree National Park 

  • Joshua Tree National Park—an International Dark Sky Park—is one of the best places in the southern California to experience the night sky. Within the park, you'll find designated stargazing areas, including Cap Rock, Ryan Mountain, Hidden Valley, and Quail Springs.
  • Just outside the park’s north entrance, Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center offers a designated dark-sky location that’s open to the public year-round, whether or not a program is scheduled. The campus is a peaceful and accessible place to set up a chair, telescope, or blanket and enjoy unobstructed views of the night sky. While monthly events and lectures add to the experience, the space is always available for quiet, self-guided stargazing under the stars.
  • But you don’t have to go far for a stellar view—Twentynine Palms’ low light pollution and high desert elevation mean you can often catch incredible night sky displays right from your hotel patio, vacation rental backyard, or RV campsite. For many visitors, watching the Perseids from the comfort of their own lodging becomes a highlight of their stay.
  • Pro Tip: Arrive early, get comfortable, and let your eyes adjust to the dark—ideally 20–30 minutes before moonrise—for the best viewing experience.

 

🌌 Milky Way Season

July and August bring ideal conditions to view the Milky Way’s galactic core—the brightest, most detailed section of our home galaxy.

Why summer is the best:

•    Clear visibility of the galactic center

•    Warm nights and minimal atmospheric distortion

•    Star-rich constellations like Sagittarius and Scorpius, packed with nebulae and clusters perfect for telescopes and night-sky photography

 

✨ The Summer Triangle

Look for this iconic asterism high in the summer sky, formed by the bright stars Vega, Altair, and Deneb. It’s a stellar guidepost that points to deep-sky treasures:

•    Ring Nebula in Lyra

•    North America Nebula in Cygnus

 

🌙 Moon Phases

•    New Moons (best for dark skies): July 24 (12:11 a.m. PDT), August 22 (11:06 p.m. PDT)

•    Full Moons: July 10 (1:37 p.m. PDT), August 9 (12:05 a.m. PDT)

 

🔭 Stargazing Experiences

Sky’s The Limit Observatory & Nature Center

•    15-acre campus with a 14” Celestron telescope

•    Offers public star parties and events

•    Named one of AAA’s Best Stargazing Destinations in the West

29 Palms Astronomy Club

•    Private tours led by knowledgeable local guides with high-end gear

Joshua Tree Astronomy Adventures

•    In-park guided experiences with laser sky tours and professional telescopes

 

🌱 Respect the Land

Help protect this fragile desert ecosystem by practicing responsible recreation:

•    Pack it in, pack it out – take all trash with you.

•    Know the fire rules – from June 15 to October 1, charcoal and wood-burning fires are not allowed in Joshua Tree National Park.

•    Keep the night wild – use red or dim lights and keep noise to a minimum to preserve the night sky and soundscape.

 

🚗 Tips for Visiting & Stargazing

•    Arrive before sunset to avoid headlight glare and secure parking

•    Bring layers—desert nights can be cool even in summer

•    No food, water, or cell service in the park—come prepared

•    Buy your park pass in advance at Recreation.gov

•    Park only in designated areas—off-road parking is prohibited and fined

 

🌠 Plan Your Visit to Twentynine Palms

Stargazing in Twentynine Palms is an unforgettable experience—so why not make it a full desert getaway? Book a stay in one of our hotels, vacation rentals, or the RV resort, and enjoy nearby restaurants, shops, and attractions before your night under the stars. Whether you're an amateur stargazer or a seasoned astrophotographer, summer skies in Twentynine Palms are not to be missed!