Perseids Meteor Shower Viewing
If you are looking for some options to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower this week, I’ve got a few spots for you!
The Perseid Meteor shower is considered the best meteor shower of the year because you can see around 50-100 meteors an hour during its peak! This year is particularly special, because it’s peak (August 12th-13th) coincides with a new moon, which means the sky will be completely dark and the meteors will be easier to see!
First things first! Check out these important safety and viewing tips compiled from Anza Borrego Foundation, Anza Borrego State Park and Joshua Tree National Park!
Safety Tips:
*Remember it is still hot, even at night!! Pack the amount of extra water you think you need, and then pack some more, and maybe a couple more just for good measure! (And of course snacks, but if your kids are like mine, I really don’t need to remind you to bring the snacks!)
*If you are traveling to some of the more remote locations remember to charge devices, let someone know you are going, and when you expect to return. Some of these locations do not have reliable cell service.
*Always park only in designated areas and never block roads or emergency access.
*Check that road access is appropriate for your vehicle and avoid traveling into unfamiliar terrain, especially at night.
*Confirm day use rules before choosing a location (this is more specific to Anza Borrego & JTNP).
*My personal safety tip - Remember we share these spaces with many desert creatures. Please make sure you are checking and aware of your surroundings (including the ground), especially when experiencing the outdoors with your kiddos!
Viewing Tips:
*Use a red light instead of a bright white flashlight - this helps with night vision and reducing light pollution.
*Give your eyes about 30 minutes to adjust to the night sky.
*Choose a spot with a wide open view of the sky and scan a wide view of the sky instead of narrowing in on the perseus constellation!
*The best hours for viewing are around 2 am-5 am (hard pass from me thanks, even for an event of the half-century). Luckily you can still catch them from about 10:00pm on!
*Make sure you take the time to evaluate each of these locations based on your own family needs, comfort, and experience with the outdoors!
And finally, what you came for!
Here are some places where it will be dark enough that you should be able to get a decent view of the Perseids!
Joshua Tree National Park
Amazing views, little to no light pollution, lot’s of wide open space!
A bit of a drive if you live in “Coachella Valley proper” but definitely worth it (even if just for the cooler temperatures)!
Restrooms available at all major trail heads, picnic areas, and campgrounds.
*May be an entrance fee depending on the time you arrive.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
This one is a bit of a drive too, but the night sky here will be amazing!
Restrooms available at a few locations throughout the park.
*May be an entrance fee depending on the time you arrive.
Sawmill Trailhead Parking Lot - Google Map
Head up the 74 about 30 minutes for this view!
Very secluded. cooler temperatures, and a popular spot for stargazing.
No restrooms here.
Art Smith Trailhead Parking Lot - Google Map
Another option up the 74, but only about 5 miles from Hwy 111!
You’ll be stargazing before you know it!
No restrooms here.
La Quinta Cove Trails Parking Lot - Google Map
This parking lot is located at the tip top of the La Quinta Cove.
There might be a little bit of light interference from the neighboring houses, but you should still be able to get a pretty good view of the sky!
No restrooms here.
I can’t wait to see the Perseids with my family and I hope this helps you find a spot to enjoy them with yours!
P.S. if my kids’ teachers are reading this, I’m sorry, they might be absent on Thursday!
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