HikeArizona.COM

I guess this isnt hiking related but some of you could probably help me out.

I would like to find a spot to drive to close to Phoenix that has a great view of the nighttime sky. It doesnt have to be a tourist spot and not even far off the road. I would like to get out of the city lights and get a good view.

Any Suggestions?

Go East on US 60 near Florence Jct. Check out http://www.eastvalleyastronomy.org

The area that Nighthiker mentioned is an area where I go as well. Grab a star chart and head North from the US 60 on any of the little FR or trails, to reduce the little traffic noise there is and it can feel like worlds away from Phoenix.

The light pollution from the city is not too bad for an amateur like myself.

In response to Nighthiker's reply: That area is for star parties for the East Valley club and requires a permit to be on state land which the club has. If you want to use the site you need to get a copy of the permit.
You can also use four peaks road that gets you away from the lights. That is one of the reasons that we moved to Payson to get away from the lights.

I have a state land permit (obatained from Arizona State Land Dept. 1616 W. Adams, Phx for $ 20). Dschur you still have you web site ?

In response to Nighthiker's reply: The state land permit that is for use in the area is for the EVAC club. I know that some of the permits are specific to an area. We had one last year when we went camping by the Santa Maria River. I am not sure how they all work. Yes my husband has his website still going and is updating it regularly it is

http://www.psiaz.com/Schur/astro/index.html

that is his astro site. He also has a geology site...

http://www.psiaz.com/schur/azpaleo/paleo.html

Stae Land permits are good state wide, except lands closed by AZ Game and Fish and Air Quality restrictions.