National Geographic predicted the visibility of the northern lights and the total solar eclipse would popularize “astrotourism,” travel centered around stargazing or observing other celestial phenomena.
While these events spurred further interest in astrotourism, travelers do not need to wait for an eclipse or unprecedented solar flares. The annual Dark Sky Festival in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks offers a unique experience that’s drawn steady crowds for years.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are so close that the National Park Service (NPS) jointly manages them. These parks are famous for their giant trees and deep canyons, but they also host the Dark Sky Festival, whose popularity is growing as fast as the region’s trees.
Dark Sky Festival
The Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) jointly presents the Dark Sky Festival with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. While many travelers visit the parks to admire the giant sequoias, the region’s dark skies also attract visitors. The Dark Sky Festival allows visitors to learn about and enjoy the wonders of the area’s night skies.
During the three-day event, guests can interact with dedicated park rangers, passionate scientists, and astronomy enthusiasts in various programs held in both parks, day and night.
The festival welcomes novices and experienced stargazers, emphasizing the beauty of our dark skies and preserving them for future generations to enjoy.
The Important Role of a National Park Conservancy
Savannah Boiano, Executive Director of SPC, gives us a peek behind the curtain of the festival’s development and history.
Boiano says, “A national park conservancy is a nonprofit organization that works under a special agreement with the NPS. Its primary focus is public education and fundraising to support park priorities, which align with the conservancy’s mission while complementing the NPS’s goals. SPC is a great example of this type of partnership.
“SPC focuses its activities and priorities on public education, interpretation, history and culture, and science. Examples include hosting the Dark Sky Festival as a public educational program, fundraising for giant sequoia conservation projects, and selling educational retail products aligning with park themes and stories. As a matter of fact, each retail product comes with a talking point so you can share the park story with confidence.”
History of the Dark Sky Festival
Boiano summarizes the event’s history: “The Dark Sky Festival was the idea of a former SPC employee who heard about one held at Lassen National Park. The first Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Dark Sky Festival was in 2013. Everyone, the public and staff alike, had so much fun, we decided to make it a yearly event.”
When discussing the event’s changes over the years, Boiano comments, “My favorite evolution is to see the increase in students attending and being studious in their attendance. You’ll see students of all ages attending sessions, taking notes, or meeting with a presenter afterward. It’s truly incredible.”
A Look at the Numbers
The Dark Sky Festival draws up to 5,000 people. Boiano advises, “It takes 60 to 70 volunteers and roughly 20 SPC and NPS staff to run the festival. Together, we do everything from developing the festival presence as subject matter experts to staffing tables, cleaning up, and so much more. It’s an incredible experience to watch the festival ramp up, go, and wind down.”
Expectations for a First-Time Attendee
What can a first-time attendee at the festival expect? Boiano says, “Wow. I’d say expect to be surprised by the experience of seeing very dark skies that blanket Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks or by learning something new from an expert in the field.”
Future of the Dark Sky Festival
While the Dark Sky Festival has grown significantly since its inception, Boiano hopes to see increased involvement with students in the future. She remarks, “Many high-caliber high schools, colleges, and universities surround Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. I want to give students an increased opportunity to present at the festival. Young astronomers, dark sky advocates, and space technologists have a lot to say, and I want to give them a place to practice their voices.”
Beyond the Dark Skies
Boiano lights up when discussing reasons beyond the dark skies for visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon. She says, “There is nothing subtle about these two parks. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are parks of superlatives.
“When I started working here, I could not believe these two parks could contain so many superlatives. From the fastest-flowing river west of the Mississippi, the highest peak in the Lower 48, the first national park in California, the vast underground wilderness, and the largest giant sequoias, the list of superlatives to experience is crazy.”
Additional Tips for Visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon
Boiano offers insight for park visitors: “My number one tip for those considering visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is to spend more than one day. My second tip is to attend a ranger-led program since they are chock full of great information shared by folks who really love the place.
“My third and final tip is to use a park bench when you see one along a trail. The NPS places benches in the most beautiful places, hoping to entice people to settle in and enjoy the view. Enjoy your national parks, America!”
Travelers who want to maximize their time should consider driving the Majestic Mountain Loop, which allows them to see Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Park. The road trip provides a memorable experience with its abundant natural treasures, from giant sequoias to dark skies. Since the Dark Sky Festival is an annual event, astrotourism can be a popular travel trend in 2025 and beyond.
