Activity Guide

Stargazing

Look up after dark for a noticeably clearer mountain sky than most visitors see in Southern California cities.

Overview

What to Expect

Stargazing is one of the easiest Big Bear activities because you do not need a ticket, telescope or long drive into the backcountry to notice the difference. Big Bear's elevation and distance from the brightest parts of Southern California can reveal far more stars than visitors are used to seeing at home. The quality of the view still changes dramatically from night to night. A bright moon can wash out faint stars, clouds or wildfire smoke can reduce visibility, and one parking lot light can ruin your night vision. Often the best first move is simply finding a safe legal location away from direct lights and giving your eyes time to adjust.

Highlights

What Makes It Special

No special equipment is required. Clear skies, less moonlight and distance from direct artificial light matter more than finding one famous viewing spot.

The Best Time to Go

Stargazing works year-round on clear nights. Darker phases of the moon are generally better for faint stars and the Milky Way, while a bright moon can be beautiful but will reduce the number of stars you see. Check clouds, smoke and moonrise before making a special trip.

Planning

Plan Your Visit

Check the moon phase, cloud cover and smoke before heading out. Bring a warm layer even in summer because temperatures fall quickly after sunset. A red-light setting on a flashlight or phone helps preserve night vision. If photographing the sky, set up before it is fully dark so you are not trying to find footing or equipment beside an unfamiliar road at night.

Local Tip

You usually do not need to drive deep into the forest. Get away from direct street, porch and parking-lot lights, let your eyes adjust for a while and look up before deciding you need somewhere more remote.

Parking and Access

Getting There

Choose a legal public area or established turnout where your vehicle can be completely off the roadway. Do not stop on narrow highway shoulders or block gates and forest roads simply because the sky looks darker there. Safe access is more important than squeezing out a little less light pollution.