Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows is a campground and meadow-covered hilltop spot within the Yosemite National Park, about 289 miles (465 km) northeast of Merced, California. While this is not a designated stargazing area, the meadows are accessible by the public year-round and offer almost all outdoor activities, including reasonable night sky viewing. One EarthSky reader says it’s “a quieter part of the park and perfect for a clear view of globally renowned meteor showers or simply a night spent under the sky in search of shooting stars. A lack of city lights makes Yosemite your place for milky way views. Need help with the itinerary? Go on an guided excursion with a professional outfitter to get the most of your time in the dark outdoors.” Camping is also abundantly available. For more information, please visit online or call 209-372-0200.