Starstruck at the South Rim: HoH’s First Grand Canyon Star Party (But Not Our Last)

Spoiler: This place isn’t just mind-blowingly beautiful, it’s nearly 2 billion years old.

Yes, you read that right. The exposed rocks at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim include Vishnu Schist, which dates back an estimated 1.8 to 1.9 billion years, making it one of the oldest visible rock formations on Earth. Add in the scale (277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep), and it’s no wonder we felt like time travelers as we hiked the Trail of Time, the most geologically enlightening section of the Rim Trail.

Our First Star Party—And Definitely Not Our Last

House of Highways made its first pilgrimage to the annual Grand Canyon Star Party, and now we’re hooked. Hosted in collaboration with Dark Sky International and the Grand Canyon Conservancy, this weeklong event brings amateur astronomers (with very not-amateur telescopes) to both the South and North Rims for cosmic storytelling, telescope tours, and night sky education.

It’s part science fair, part community campout, and all awe. Every evening, volunteers line the sidewalks with telescopes focused on Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and galaxies you didn’t even know existed.

Why the Star Party Matters

• The Grand Canyon is a certified International Dark Sky Park, meaning it’s protected against light pollution, something only a small percentage of national parks can claim.

• The event connects park visitors with astronomers, astrophotographers, and rangers through free telescope viewings and constellation talks.

• It’s about accessibility to the universe, helping families and travelers see beyond our planet, sometimes for the first time.

Trail by Day. Stars by Night. Elk Always.

Cristy Lee and Colan spent the day hiking the Trail of Time, then camped at Trailer Village, the only in-park RV site with full hookups. And by night, they were stargazing just a short stroll from the South Rim.

Pro Tips for 2026:

• Book Trailer Village 6–12 months in advance.

• Pack layers, temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

• Bring a red flashlight and binoculars, or borrow a telescope from a friendly amateur.

Make This Your Annual Pilgrimage Too

From rocks nearly 2 billion years old to celestial objects billions of light-years away, the Grand Canyon Star Party gives you a front-row seat to deep time and deep space. This was HoH’s first time attending, but it won’t be our last.

We’re making this an annual tradition—and we’d love to see you here next year.