S AZ Spots for Stargazing or Scenic Picnics?

I live in Tucson and I’m curious if anyone has suggestions for good places to drive my truck at night to look at stars. My wife and I love stargazing, sometimes setting up a small telescope but often just laying and staring up from the truck bed, especially during meteor showers. But we haven’t found any really good spots nearby yet. Looking for places ideally within an hour of the city that could be our regular go-to spots, and then maybe also some spots a couple hours of the city, but not so far we’d necessarily need to camp. Really looking for dark skies and quiet peaceful settings.

Also, would love suggestions for scenic spots we can drive to for picnics. My wife loves being outdoors but has some health challenges that limit her ability to hike, so we like finding beautiful secluded places we can drive to, take in nice views, and enjoy some time in nature. We picnic in the bed or on the ground, so definitely don’t need or want a place that has tables. Looking for solitude.

Happy to take forest service roads, etc to get off beaten path. Just want to make sure they’re places we’re allowed to be - want to be able to fully relax, not worry about someone coming upon us and running us off lol

Thanks for any ideas.

 

Empire ranch in senoita or really find any spot down 83 area you'll be good

 

Cruising anywhere around the Coronado National Forest. Good roads, scenery and solitude. Best of AZ, IMO. You’re lucky to be so close.

 

Portal Az is well known for it's dark skies. If you want to get away from the traffic and see beautiful scenery, find your way to Klondyke, AZ and the Aravaipa Canyon (East entrance)

 

Thanks for the recommendations, guys. Some new places to explore for sure.

 

Cactus Forest Dispersed Site
96 Ranch


We hit both for quick overnight shroom trip / stargazing spots.

 

Head out to the Chirricauas.

 

What Gila and DDion said. Portal and the Chiris are famous for their star gazing. Portal is considered one of the best places in the country for it.

The campground at the top of the Chiricahua, Rustler Park is really nice. https://goo.gl/maps/cEY6XWiQDv7yEYSy5 Even just the dirt road up and over the mountain is a really nice scenic easy drive.

 

My in laws used to have a B&B out there so got to see a lot of wildlife and stargazing. Being in Benson, they sold the B&B but still get time out there camping.

Derek

 

Thanks again for all these suggestions. Made a list and plan to explore all of them!

We checked out Empire Ranch a couple times recently - had driven passed it for years on my way down to Canelo to see friends and never had any idea it was there!

Been to Portal but only for one night a long time ago, so planning to go back and really explore that area.

If anyone has any other ideas off-the-beaten-path, away-from-people places to go hang a hammock for the day or stargaze at night, keep the suggestions coming!

 

Love this. Whether or not shrooms are involved, I’m always looking for the kind of place/vibe that would perfect for shrooms.