Flagstaff Star Party
Know Before You Go
A few things to bring, and a few things to leave at home, so everyone has a good night under the stars at Buffalo Park.
Please leave pets at home. Leashes are a serious tripping hazard in the dark and can knock over telescope equipment.
Before you arrive
Come early for the Sunset Talk
Arrive by 5:45 pm. It’s a quarter-mile walk from the entrance to the presentation.
Dress for a cold night
Flagstaff nights get cold once the sun goes down. Bring a warm jacket and layers.
Wear closed-toe shoes
The paths in Buffalo Park are unpaved, and there are cacti just off the trail.
Stay in the Star Party areas
The rest of the park is home to cacti and wildlife that would rather not be disturbed.
Lights and phones
Your eyes need about 20 minutes to adjust to the dark, and one burst of white light restarts the timer for everyone nearby. We hand out a red LED thumb light at the entrance — it’s yours to keep.
- Use red light only inside the park, especially near the telescopes.
- Bring a white flashlight if you want one, but use it outside the park.
- Point any light at the ground, never at someone’s face.
- Keep phones in your pocket around the telescopes.
- No flash photography inside the park. The one exception is the warming tent and selfie station.
While you’re there
Something warm to drink
Beverages, including hot chocolate, are available for purchase just outside the park.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available just inside the park entrance.
Pack out what you bring
Please don’t litter. Help us leave the park the way we found it.