There’s nothing quite like looking up at a night sky so full of stars it feels like it might spill over, especially if you’re from a midwest suburb and can only ever see a few stars on the clearest nights. Glacier National Park is one of the best places in the Lower 48 to witness truly dark skies—and it’s even recognized as an International Dark Sky Park. Whether you’re here to elope under the stars, capture the Milky Way in your camera, or just feel small in the best possible way, this guide will help you soak up the night sky like never before.

Why Glacier Is One of the Best Places in the U.S. for Stargazing

Far from city light pollution, Glacier’s alpine terrain and high elevation give you clean, clear access to the cosmos. On a moonless night, you’ll see layers of stars, nebulae, satellites, and the brightest band of the Milky Way nucleus you’ll ever see in this lifetime. In fact, over 6,000 stars are visible here—compared to only a few hundred in suburban skies.

For me, some of the most memorable nights have been just lying on a blanket near Logan Pass or Bowman Lake, wrapped in a sleeping bag, with a mug of something hot and someone I love beside me. The world feels so small and the universe so big that words cannot explain.

Stargazing Photography Sessions

If you’ve ever dreamed of photos that feel like pure magic — glowing lanterns, star-streaked skies, and mountain silhouettes so sharp they almost hum — my Stargazing Adventure Sessions were made for you.

These 3–4 hour evening experiences combine the thrill of Glacier’s wilderness after dark with the intimacy of an elopement or couples session. We’ll link up in the wee hours of morning and walk/hike to a scenic vista that balances wide-open sky views with a stunning mountain skyline. We can even get set up in parking pull-outs within the park, for the most romantic truck-bed cuddle & stars session (truck and cuddles are on you!)

Once we’re cozy in our spot with blankets laid out and hot cocoa poured, we’ll use soft ambient light — lanterns, string lights, and headlamps — to literally paint with light and create stunning nighttime portraits. Once the Milky Way core is at its highest, we’ll capture silhouettes lit only by the stars, turning your love story into something timeless and cinematic.

Something unique, I even bring my telescope! You’ll cozy up under a blanket while I set up my telescope to reveal deep-space wonders like the rings of Saturn, the craters of the moon, and distant star clusters. I’ll even photograph those celestial views for you — a gallery highlight from a night you’ll never forget.

Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, elopement, anniversary, or simply a shared sense of wonder, this session is an unforgettable way to honor your love under the stars. Let’s chat about your Astrophotography session!

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When to See the Milky Way

Montana’s skies really show off from April to September, but July and August are prime for catching the Milky Way core—that super-bright, star-dense swirl in the sky—and the best time to experience it all at Logan Pass, since Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens late June—early July. September is also great but the weather does start shifting to cloudy days and nights. Keep an eye on expected cloud cover, as clouds not only block the stars, they catch light pollution from the ground, even miles away, and that downs out the delicate stars.

I always plan my stargazing dates around the new moon, when there’s the least light pollution from the moon in the sky, to make the stars show off without competition. In our northern corner of the world, the milky way will be most visible usually between 2—5am, which means EARLY mornings driving GTTSR in pure darkness. Please be careful and drive posted speed limits. Moose and bears deserve it!

For confirming the moon phase and illumination I always check both Farmer’s Almanac Moon Phase Calendar and The Sky Live. But for ease, I’ve compiled all the upcoming summertime New Moons:

Summer 2026 New Moons:

• April 17, 2025

• May 16, 2026

• June 15, 2026

• July 14, 2026

• August 12, 2026 (Solar Eclipse over Iceland/Spain)
  • Join me in Iceland for this Solar Eclipse!

• September 11, 2026

Summer 2027 New Moons:

• April 7, 2027

• May 6, 2027

• June 4, 2027

• July 4, 2027

• August 2, 2027 (Solar Eclipse over Africa)

• August 31, 2027

• September 30, 2027

Can You See the Northern Lights in Glacier?

Yes! While I wouldn’t plan on seeing them as they are still very rare, they are magificent if you happen to get lucky and the stars literally align. Auroras are most likely to occur in early spring and late fall, or during periods of high solar activity. NOAA’s Aurora Tracker is by far the must trustworthy source for forecasting Northern Lights and in fact feeds many of the apps on the market.

My recommended apps:

My Aurora Forecast and Aurora Forecast are both great resources for seeing aurora forecasts based on location and even sending push notifications when KP index is becoming high, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on any cosmic awesomeness.

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Full Moon vs. New Moon: What’s the Best Time to Stargaze?

The best time to stargaze is during a new moon, when the sky is darkest and the Milky Way shines in full, celestial glory. But hey—if your Glacier trip lands during a full moon, don’t count yourself out. You just get a different kind of magic.

When the moon is full, I love to stargaze from places like:

• Big Bend (moonlight on the peaks = magic)
• Many Glacier (perfect reflections on still water)
• Two Medicine (haunting and calm)
• Sun Point (wide open skyline)

A bright moon will overpower most stars, but major constellations will still be visible, and the mountain silhouettes and contrast are unreal. Want the best of both worlds? Wake up early and catch the moon setting at sunrise—the reflection is chef’s kiss.

I’ve had full-moon nights at Big Bend and Two Medicine where the light was so bright, it felt like walking through a black-and-white photograph.

Some of my favorite full-moon spots:

• Big Bend Overlook – that valley view is wild by moonlight
• Many Glacier Hotel shoreline – dramatic skyline, mirror-reflection potential
• Sun Point – great elevation and lake views
• Two Medicine Lake – peaceful, often quiet at night

Pro tip: If the moon is full, try a sunrise adventure instead. You’ll often catch the moon setting over the mountains at dawn with a perfect lake reflection below.

Plan ahead by looking up the moon phase and illumination during your anticipated trip.

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Best Stargazing Spots in Glacier

Not all darkness is created equal—some spots just hit harder. Here are a few of my favorites for both wow factor and access. And yes, I’ve tested each of these with a thermos of cocoa in hand.

Here’s where I’ve personally watched the stars (or seen couples spin barefoot under them) and where I’d send you if you’re planning a magical stargazing moment.

Stargazing at Logan Pass or Going to the Sun Road

Best for dramatic elevation and high-alpine awe.

At 6,646 feet, Logan Pass is Glacier’s crown jewel. It’s remote, quiet after dark, and absolutely breathtaking when the stars come out. Expect crisp air, deep silence, and a sky so big it’ll make your chest hurt in the best way. Park here and walk the 1.5mi boardwalk to Hidden Lake overlook for wide-open skies. Glacier often hosts Star Party Astronomy Programs in the summertime at Logan Pass.

Stargazing in St. Mary at the Dusty Star Observatory

Best for ranger programs and telescope viewing.

Over on the east side of the park, St. Mary Visitor Center offers panoramic sky views and access to something special: the Dusty Star Observatory, built in partnership with the Blackfeet Nation, which features a live SkyCam! NPS offers seasonal astronomy programs, often hosted by volunteer astronomers. It’s a perfect spot for science lovers, kids, or couples who want to learn while they look up.

If you’re around on the right evening, this is one of the most intentional and connected ways to experience Glacier’s night sky. The observatory is also part of Glacier’s Night Sky Program, which includes ranger-led astronomy talks throughout summer.

Stargazing at Big Bend Overlook (Paradise Meadow)

Best for Milky Way shots and roadside access.
Big Bend is that classic sweeping mountain curve you’ve seen on postcards. With easy pull-off parking and vast sky views in every direction, it’s one of my top spots for stargazing photos and elopement portraits. You can even spot meteor showers from your car hood.

Sun Point & Going-to-the-Sun Road

Best for car camping vibes and stargazing pull-offs.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is packed by day, but after dark? It transforms into a secret theater for the stars. Sun Point is a favorite for wide horizons and easy access—perfect if you’re watching the full moon rise or trying to escape the wind.

Stargazing at Bowman Lake

This is Glacier’s rooftop—accessible by car during summer and surrounded by nothing but stars, silence, and shadowy peaks. It’s one of the highest paved points in the park, and honestly, the stargazing here is unreal.

If you’re willing to make the trek to Polebridge, this is the spot. Darkest skies I’ve ever seen in the park. Reflections on the lake are stunning, and it’s so quiet it almost feels like the stars are humming.

Perfect if you’re camping nearby—or just want to feel totally off-grid.

Stargazing in the North Fork & Polebridge Area

If you want truly zero light pollution, this is it. No lights. No crowds. Just you, the stars, and maybe a bear or two (kidding… mostly).

I love coming out here with my partner to shoot astro portraits—and then staying to make pancakes at sunrise.

Stargazing at Many Glacier

Best for lake reflections and quietude.
Less visited at night but equally powerful, Many Glacier offers dark skies with mirror-like reflections in Swiftcurrent Lake. I’ve seen the moon rise here like a spotlight on the peaks. It’s hauntingly beautiful and a great place to stargaze in peace.

Stargazing at Two Medicine

Best for solitude
Two Medicine’s openness, lakeside views, and low crowds make it one of the most soulful places in the park. The night sky here stretches endlessly, with perfect reflections on the water and often complete silence. Bonus: some of the best tent camping options are nearby.

This one is a gem. The mountains make the sky feel like a snow globe of stars, and the lake is glassy and peaceful. There’s less foot traffic here in the evenings, and I love setting up for long exposures on the shoreline.

Bonus: It’s a killer sunrise spot too. Double win.

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Where to Camp Near Glacier for Dark Skies

Want to stargaze without having to drive after? Here are a few favorite camping areas with great night views:

• Two Medicine Campground – quieter and has less light pollution
• Many Glacier Campground – reserve in advance and walk to the lake
• Bowman Lake Campground – Super remote and silent
• Apgar Campground – near Lake McDonald with dark patches close by
• St. Mary KOA – ideal for stargazing right from your RV!

Honorable mention: While not explicitly camping, LOGE Glacier is my favorite lodging near Glacier for it’s historic charm and unique caboose car stays. You get the feeling of Glamping but with a wonderful onsite restaurant and seemingly endless amenities. Stargiaxing from their front lawn is a marvelous way to enjoy the Glacier night sky.

Don’t want to plan months ahead?
[Read: Where to Camp Near Glacier Without Reservations (Coming Soon)]

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What Constellations Can You See Here?

Even without fancy gear, Glacier’s summer sky offers some incredible constellations—especially if you’re new to stargazing.

Summer Constellations Visible in Glacier:

• Scorpius – low on the southern horizon, look for the hook of the tail, bright red Antares
• Cygnus – the “Northern Cross,” gliding through the Milky Way
• Sagittarius – aka the Teapot, pointing toward the center of the Milky Way
• Lyra – part of the Summer Triangle, home of the bright star Vega
• Aquila – follow the eagle-shaped pattern near Altair

And don’t forget the Summer Triangle, made up of Vega, Altair, and Deneb—three of the brightest stars you’ll see on a clear night.

Use an app like Sky Guide or Stellarium to help orient yourself and identify constellations as you lie under the sky. Point your phone up and boom—constellations labeled in real time.

Blackfeet Star Stories: Cultural Connections to the Night Sky

Stargazing in Glacier isn’t just about what’s up there—it’s also about the stories our local tribes have told for generations.

Long before Glacier was called a park, the Blackfeet people looked to the stars as guides, storytellers, and sacred symbols. Their cosmology is rich with meaning—connecting the movements of the heavens to hunting cycles, seasons, and spiritual teachings.

Hear some Blackfoot Legends of the Cosmos with Rebecca Many Grey Horses.

Read more traditional Blackfeet stories.

Blackfeet Legends: The Pleiades & Morning Star

Among the Blackfeet (Niitsitapi), a beloved constellation story centers on the Pleiades, known as Miohpoisiks (“Bunched Stars”) In one tale, they are “Lost Boys” whose journey into the sky signals season and hunting shifts. Another thread links the Morning Star, a celestial hero descending from the sun and moon lineage, reminding us of ancestral connection and resilience.

One important story is that of The Seven Brothers, which parallels the Western tale of the Pleiades star cluster. In Blackfeet tradition, the seven brothers flee a grizzly bear, and their youngest brother—a powerful shaman—raises them into the sky to escape. The marks left by the bear’s claws can still be seen in Chief Mountain, and the seven brothers now shine overhead as a reminder of kinship, power, and the natural world.

Among the Blackfeet (Niitsitapi), a beloved constellation story centers on the Pleiades, known as Miohpoisiks (“Bunched Stars”) In one tale, they are “Lost Boys” whose journey into the sky signals season and hunting shifts. Another thread links the The Morning Star (a celestial hero descending from the sun and moon lineage, reminding us of ancestral connection and resilience. The Morning Star (Venus) is sacred in Blackfeet teachings, associated with guidance, spiritual journeys, and ceremony.

Many Blackfeet stories use stars to pass down values, survival skills, and deep cultural truths to younger generations.

The North Star—called oo-YEES or “Belly Button of the Sky”—served as a cosmic anchor for these tribes, guiding time, travel, and ceremony.

When you lie back to watch the Milky Way shimmer above Glacier, know that you’re seeing the same stars ancestors once used for navigation, teaching, and prayer.

“Makoyoohsokoyi“(The Wolf Trail)

“Makoyiwa,” the wolves, were some of the first Earth Beings to help us.

One winter, when our people were starving, a young man and his family were camped by themselves as they searched for food. The wolves found the family and appeared to them as young men bringing fresh meat to the lodge. The wolves took this family with them, showing the man how to cooperate with other people when he hunted buffalo and other animals. The wolves introduced the people to the other animals in their world. The human beings learned that animals with hooves and horns were all right to eat, but that animals with paws and claws should be left alone.

The wolves disappeared in the spring, but we still see them in the sky as Makoyoohsokoyi the Wolf Trail (the Milky Way). These stars constantly remind us of how we should live together.

The North Star—called oo-YEES or “Belly Button of the Sky”—served as a cosmic anchor for these tribes, guiding time, travel, and ceremony.

Learn more about the Blackfeet Confederacy and Reservation which borders the east side of the park. (coming soon)

Why It Matters for Stargazing in Glacier:

When you’re under the Milky Way or spotting the Pleiades in the West, remember—those aren’t just bright dots. They’re part of living stories: season markers, teaching tools, navigational guides, and spiritual beacons.

When I guide couples under Glacier’s sky, I love sharing one of these legends—it deepens the experience and connects your moment to centuries of Indigenous skywatching.

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What to Pack for a Stargazing Adventure

Here’s what I keep in my truck or camera bag for any stargazing session: Don’t overthink it, but do come prepared. Even in August, temperatures can drop fast. Here’s what I toss in the truck before a night under the stars:

• Tripod with attachments (even for phones!)
• Headlamp, flashlight, or lantern with red LED setting (preserves night vision)
• Stanley thermos of hot cocoa or tea
• Snacks
• Picnic blanket to sit on & warm blanket or sleeping bag to wrap in
• Camp chair or truck bed setup
• Star chart or stargazing app
• Insect Repellant
• Clothing Base Layers, wind layers, and/or puffy coat—even in August, it gets chilly fast
• Thin Gloves, Beanie, Buff, or Muffs
• Rechargable had warmers like these.
• Bluetooth speaker for a little romance, but be mindful of other stargazers!
• Binoculars (great for moon craters or sweeping the Milky Way)

Disclaimer: Links to Amazon products are affiliate links and I may earn a 2-4% commission from your purchase. Note: This does not raise the price of the item, but it rewards my referral by putting a few cents in my pocket over Mr.Bezos 😉

Can I Take Photos with My Phone?

Modern phones have shockingly good night-modes, especially when paired with a tripod! Here are some tips to make your iPhone photos look professional:

• Use Night Mode or a long-exposure app like NightCap
• Set up on a tripod or prop your phone on a bag/rock
• Use a 3–10 sec timer to avoid shake
• Turn on grid lines and focus on infinity

Pro tip: Want a stunning silhouette under the stars? I offer late-night or sunrise adventure sessions—and I bring the twinkle lights.

Want to Bring a Telescope?

If you’re more than a casual stargazer—or just curious—there are a few beginner telescopes that travel surprisingly well:

• Celestron Travel Scope 70
  Lightweight, fits in a backpack, and good for both stars and wildlife.

• SkyWatcher Heritage 100P
  Tabletop Dobsonian with simple point-and-see function. No hassle.

You don’t need a telescope to fall in love with the sky here. But if you’re the type who geeks out on Saturn’s rings or the craters of the moon, it’s worth the luggage space. If you book a stargazing portrait session with me I will absolutely be bringing my telescope so we can explore deep space together!

Safety Tips for Stargazing in Glacier National Park

Let’s not forget that while Glacier is stunning, it’s also someone’s home. Many of Glaciers furry residents are most active at night, so it’s imperative to stay bear aware, even at night. Do not wander off trail, make noise while walking on trails and try to stay in bigger groups if possible. Dress warmly and bring a satellite phone if you have one.

Winter Stargazing in Glacier: What to Know

Winter stargazing in Glacier is…well, a little different. Most of the park is closed beyond the snow gates, leaving access only in lower-elevation areas like Apgar, Lake McDonald Lodge, and St. Mary. Also: it’s cold and almost always cloudy, especially between November and March. The Milky Way Core is NOT visible during the majority of the winter months.

Still, on a rare crystal-clear night? The moon shining off the snow-covered banks of Lake McDonald is absolutely wonderful. Cross-country skiing to Many Glacier under a full moon definitely should be on your bucket list! As far as safety goes, there is much less bear activity as they are hibernating into early spring, but hypothermia and severe weather are notable risks you need to prepare for.

If you’re here in winter and want to give it a go, try Apgar Lookout Road, which can sometimes be walked when the snow is packed down. Or bundle up and stargaze from the Lake McDonald Lodge parking area—it’s still beautiful in winter.

Pro tip: If you’re planning a winter elopement or visit, reach out. I’ve got winter gear recommendations, hidden gem photo locations, and cozy ideas for capturing your adventure in any season.

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Final Thoughts: Why Stargazing in Glacier Is Worth the 1am Wake Up

There’s something grounding and wildly romantic about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with someone you love and looking up into an endless sky. You realize how small you are, yes—but also how vast your love is, how free your life can be.

Whether you’re in Glacier or just here for a weekend, don’t skip the stars. You’re already here, after all. Getting here was the hard part! Pack the car before bed, wake up early, grab the people you love. And let the sky show off.

Under Glacier’s stars, time slows down. It’s not just about astronomy—it’s about awe. I’ve watched couples read vows under constellations, kids gasp at shooting stars, and families huddled together on pickup tailgates sharing cocoa and laughter. It’s intimate, grounding, unforgettable.

✨ Want your stargazing moment captured in photos?
Let’s plan a late-night or early-morning adventure session that feels just as magical as the sky overhead.

Planning Your Stargazing Elopement in Glacier National Park?

Let’s make it magical. I help couples plan Glacier elopements rooted in shared experiences, not photo fluff and “doing it for the ‘gram”. From helping you with your wedding permit application to scouting the best place for summertime wildflowers, I am here for you!

Contact Me to Start Planning!
Check Out the Ultimate Glacier Planning Guide