Observing Sites Near Sedona
Two Trees Observing Area
The Two Trees observing area is between Sedona and Cottonwood off of route 89A. Exit 89A at FR525 to the west. After about 1/3 of a mile (dirt road) there will be a large Y in the road. Take the left branch. This leads in the direction of a radio control RC field. Just prior (about 200ft closer) to reaching the RC field development, is another smaller vacant field on the left (with turnout). This is where we set up and in some instances camp.
Please note that certain areas of Sedona need a Red Rock Pass.
#1 – Best Viewing in Sedona: Schnebly Hill Road Overlook
Excellent (safe) viewing area for stargazing and also has a portable bathroom nearby. Pretty much in heart of Sedona, so easy access whether from uptown, West Sedona, or Village of Oak Creek area.
DIRECTIONS: From the main junction where two highways meet in uptown (89A Hwy & 179 Hwy), turn south onto Hwy 179, and go to next roundabout circle (about 900ft). At roundabout, turn onto the Schnebly Hill road and GO about 1 mile. Just BEFORE PAVEMENT ends & turns into dirt, turn LEFT into the Vista POINT. At far end is bathroom, and room for 20 vehicles. Popular spot for viewing, no direct light, and have Red Rocks in view for photo opportunity! Very dark as well!
Jordan Observing Area
Located in Sedona at end of Jordan Road at the forest service road trail head for hiking and biking. There is an open field with gravel and rocks at the end of a dirt road.
Directions: Travel to uptown Sedona, near Hwy 179 and 89A Hwy junction. Just north of junction (on 89A Hwy), about 1/4 mile north bound is traffic light and about 300ft further is Jordan road on the left side of Highway. Turn left and go to very end of Jordan road about 1.2 miles. At the T in road, turn left and go about 600ft and you will see a forest service road at end of pavement. The dirt road is about 1/2 mile long but does not need a Jeep (certain areas drive slow). At the end is an open field and parking lot. Observing is on the white gravel OPEN FIELD, at far side of parking lot. Note: Portable bathroom on near side of parking lot.
Sedona’s elevation is around 4400 feet.
Best Dark Site: Mingus Mountain Summit
This site has repeated excellent, transparent, and superb seeing. Also great high elevation, 7200 to 7300ft. ALL paved road to Site, and even has portable Bathroom, 60ft away! Just need a coffee machine, we are in celestial heaven! 🙂
Directions: From West Sedona, travel west bound on Hwy 89A about 20 miles until Cottonwood. Stay on Hwy 89A, going thru Cottonwood, heading towards Jerome city, another ~8 miles. Go thru Jerome and head up Mingus Mountain, always staying on Hwy 89A. A winding paved road now lays ahead until you come to the Summit (Clearly Marked). Once at Top, turn RIGHT off of Hwy 89A, and travel another 1/3 mile. Just before the Potato Patch Campgrounds entrance, is a side road. Turn LEFT here, called Woodchute Trail, travel about 400ft, until you come to a large opening (a big circle drive) – this is the site.
For weather at Mingus Mountain Summit: Clear Dark Sky – Mingus Mountain
Stoneman Lake
A very dark site at 6900 feet. We haven’t viewed here in many years due to distance and harsh road (7 miles of dirt), over 1 hour drive from Sedona.