Winter Stargazing in Montana's Yellowstone Country

We’re approaching the shortest day of the year — a time when winter stargazing becomes one of the season’s best experiences. As the Winter Solstice marks the return of longer days for those of us in the North, the extended nights create the perfect setting to enjoy the stars.

If you’re looking for an experience unlike any other, Top of the World Resort on the Beartooth Highway is open year-round. You won’t find any light pollution on the top of this alpine tundra, just a vast dark sky full of stars. They also rent snowmobiles for those who want to adventure during the day.

You’ll need to access the resort through Cooke City. If Top of the World feels too remote, Cooke City is another great option. In winter, this end-of-the-road town has an estimated 90-year-round residents. Stay at Antler’s Lodge and Cabins or High Country Motel and Cabins, both open year-round. Be sure to stop in Silver Gate, just a few miles down the road, and check out Stop the Car Trading Post or the Silver Gate General Store.



For an all-inclusive experience, choose Skyline Guest Ranch, offering fantastic dining, cozy accommodations, and winter adventures like snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing or photography in Yellowstone. Evenings invite stargazing, sip-and-paint, massage, yoga or a hot tub soak.

In Red Lodge, Whistler Observatory in Van Dyke Park welcomes stargazers every Friday night at dusk. Volunteers offer telescopes for viewing, making it an accessible spot for anyone eager to experience the winter night sky.

Yellowstone National Park boasts dark winter skies perfect for stargazing. Join the Steam, Stars and Winter Soundscapes for a 2-hour nighttime snowcoach adventure with stops to admire the night sky. Tours include a travel mug, hot chocolate, and a flashlight. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is also open for those seeking more stargazing opportunities.



Sage Lodge in Paradise Valley, north of Yellowstone, offers complimentary astrology talks by Dr. Thomas Rust and telescope viewing for guests on select days. Private sessions are also available for booking.

Finally, in Bozeman, Hyalite Recreation Area is a favorite for dark sky viewing. Just a few miles from town, the mountains shield city lights, creating stunning night views. On one visit to see the supermoon, clouds rolled in, making it one of the darkest places we've experienced!

Wherever you are visiting, we hope you enjoy the dark skies and the bright stars that shine over these beautiful landscapes. It truly is breathtaking.