Savor the Night in Cottonwood
In 2019, DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the nighttime environment and reducing light pollution, designated Cottonwood as an International Dark Sky Community, making it only the 23rd community in the world to earn this highly sought-after distinction.
When daylight fades, Cottonwood offers rare access to true night darkness, where stars appear with striking definition and the pace of the evening naturally slows. Minimal light pollution, clear Arizona air, higher elevation, and low humidity combine to create ideal stargazing conditions, inviting visitors to reconnect with the sky above.
Across the city, open landscapes and thoughtfully preserved dark spaces provide welcoming vantage points for observing constellations, planets, and the sweeping arc of the Milky Way.
Whether you’re taking your time after dinner, settling into a campsite, or stepping outside for a moment of tranquility, stargazing in Cottonwood offers an exceptional opportunity to pause, look up, and savor the night.