WEST:

30. Fargo, ND:
Fort Ransom State Park

Fort Ransom State Park (2 miles north of Fort Ransom) is in the heavily wooded Sheyenne River Valley. Best thing about it is the unique feature of walk-in tenting adjacent to the river. Check out the Fort Ransom Writing Rock (on private land nearby park); anthropologists believe it is the site of past shamanistic vision quests.

Directions: US 94 west to Rt.1 south.

31. Denver, CO:
Rocky Mountain National Forest

An official government scientific expedition came to these mountains in the summer of 1820. They found lush forests, fields of colorful alpine flowers, soaring cliffs, snowcapped peaks, and picturesque valleys and rivers. Like then, Rocky Mountain National Park is still one of the most spectacular areas in the Country. Estes Park serves as a major port of entry to the Park (which is approximately a two hour drive from Denver).

Directions: The most used route to the Park is via Highway 34 (which, incidentally, becomes Trail Ridge Road in the Park). To reach Highway 34, take I-25 north from the city to the Loveland/Highway 34 exit. From there, follow the road through Loveland and the Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park.

32. Albuquerque, NM:
Abiquiu

Founded in the mid-18th century by the Spaniards, and a stop on the Old Spanish Trail for settlers heading west to the (then) tiny coastal community of Los Angeles, Abiquiu is in the valley of the Rio Chama, 42 miles north of Santa Fe. This tiny town, at a junction of the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests, has attracted artists for decades (including its most famous resident for fifty years, Georgia O’Keeffe).

Directions: US 25 north to Santa Fe; further north on State Hwy 84 to the Reservoir.

33. Phoenix, AZ:
Sedona

If you are looking for the ultimate climate with a New Age twist, then welcome to Sedona. With average winter temperatures around 50 degrees and 80s in the summertime, Sedona has a temperate climate for you to explore the hundreds of nature trails and to absorb the spacey community. Set amongst the historic red rock mountains, Sedona is beautifully remote and secluded, with a famous nighttime sky full of UFOs. Phoenix is only two hours away and Flagstaff 45 min.

Directions: US 17 North about a hundred miles.

34. Las Vegas, NV:
Lake Mead National Recreation Area

Stretching nearly 140 miles along the Colorado River, the Recreation Area includes Lake Mead behind Hoover Dam (completed 1935) and Lake Mojave behind Davis Dam (completed 1953). The 2,300 square mile area is one of the hottest, driest regions on Earth and is known for killer desert hikes. But when you come to scan the heavens, don’t forget how cold it gets at night.

Directions: Southeast down Hwy 95 into Boulder City.

35. Salt Lake City, UT
Park City

You say you’re going to see the stars (and you can here, sure), but what you’re really doing is driving up a mere 40 minutes from Salt Lake City, and going fishing. Fear not, fakers, summer in Park City assuages all sportsmen with championship golf courses and challenging mountain bike trails.

Directions: South on US 15, east on SH 190.