The King Range National Conservation Area is a remote region of California mountains and seascapes, about 253 miles (407 km) northwest of Sacramento, California. Please note that while there are no designated stargazing areas, the range is accessible by the public year-round and offers secluded shoreline, hiking trails, open fields and more, with wide open night skies suited for gazing; occasional star parties and stargazing events are hosted within the range by local astronomy organizations and groups. One EarthSky reader says the “nearest large urban area is 200 miles to the south — no light pollution.” Camping is also available from a selection of primitive and semi-developed campgrounds. For more information, please visit online or call 707-986-5400.
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.