America’s 10 Best Stargazing Towns Revealed — With Utah In Top Spot

A small Utah town has beaten out iconic destinations like Flagstaff and Mauna Kea to claim the title of America's best stargazing destination. Torrey, Utah, population under 200, tops Forbes' new ranking of the best stargazing towns for 2026, underscoring a surging interest in astro-tourism and dark-sky preservation. The ranking, published June 6, 2026, evaluates towns across the United States for their suitability for stargazing trips, focusing on low light pollution, accessibility, and visitor amenities.

Forbes' list arrives as light pollution continues to intensify across much of the country, making truly dark skies increasingly rare. According to the International Dark-Sky Association, more than 80% of the world's population lives under light-polluted skies, and the Milky Way is no longer visible to one-third of humanity. This loss has fueled a growing movement to designate and protect dark-sky places, from national parks to small communities that prioritize night-sky conservation.

Torrey, located near Capitol Reef National Park, benefits from one of the darkest skies in the continental United States. The town sits high in the Utah desert, far from major metropolitan areas, and has embraced dark-sky tourism as an economic driver. Capitol Reef itself is a certified International Dark Sky Park, and the surrounding region sees minimal artificial light. Forbes' ranking reportedly considered factors such as Bortle scale readings, altitude, weather patterns, and the availability of accommodation and stargazing tours. While the full list of 10 towns was not detailed in the announcement, other top contenders likely include Flagstaff, Arizona; Death Valley, California; and Natural Bridges, Utah — all recognized dark-sky locales.

Industry observers note that stargazing tourism is booming. A 2025 report from the Adventure Travel Trade Association estimated that astro-tourism contributes over $5 billion annually to local economies across the U.S., with growth rates exceeding 15% year-over-year. Communities like Torrey are leveraging this trend by hosting star parties, installing shielded lighting, and working with organizations like the Dark Sky Alliance. The Forbes ranking underscores a strategic shift: the best stargazing towns are no longer just remote outposts but increasingly compete on amenities and guided experiences, making the night sky accessible to casual visitors.

Looking ahead, Torrey is expected to see further investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure. The town has applied for additional dark-sky certifications and plans to launch a year-round astronomy center. For travelers seeking the best stargazing towns in America, Torrey now sets the gold standard — a place where the stars haven't been lost, and where the community actively works to keep them shining.