Is Taos the next great stargazing destination in the American West? It just might be, as new developments increase Taos’ appeal as an astrotourism hot spot and quieter alternative to popular options like Big Bend. Not only are efforts being made to protect the destination’s dark skies, but experiences also pop up that are bound to catch the eyes of traveling astronomy hobbyists.
© Town of Taos / Heritage Inspirations
The Taos County Commission is actively working to reduce light pollution and preserve dark skies. Meanwhile, Cielo Centro Observatory broke ground in November 2025. The observatory will be home to the largest operable public telescope in the state and situated at University of New Mexico Taos.
Guided stargazing tours are also available throughout October for $55 per person via Heritage Inspirations, a New Mexico tour company.
These efforts are certainly attracting attention already. According to HometoGo’s 2026 astrotourism report, Taos ranks third in a list of 30 affordable top spots for U.S. stargazing, following McCall, Idaho, and Moab, Utah. Other destinations in the top 10 included Page, Arizona; Ruidoso, New Mexico; Ouray, Colorado; Oro Valley, Arizona; Bar Harbor, Maine; Broken Bow, Oklahoma; and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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