Night programme
What happens after dark
The programme runs every clear night and comes with every stay. Guides are astronomers who live on the mesa. Times shift with the seasons; these are for autumn.
19:40
Supper on the west terrace
Three courses while the sun goes down behind the far mesas. The candles are red, and so is the wine list.
20:50
Let your eyes adjust
Twenty minutes with every light off before the tour starts. That is how long night vision takes to come in.
21:15
Sky tour with a guide
Constellations, the Milky Way and whichever planets are up, pointed out from the lawn with a laser.
22:30
The 24-inch telescope
Book a half-hour slot in the north dome to see galaxies, star clusters and nebulae through our largest telescope.
00:00
Photograph the sky
Cameras and tripods are set up by the dome. A guide helps you take home your own star-trail picture.
06:10
Coffee at first light
Watch the sky turn from black to blue from the east deck. Breakfast is served until eleven.
Not staying overnight? Join a night tour.
The 21:15 sky tour and half an hour at the 24-inch telescope, Thursday to Sunday. $65 for adults, $30 for under-twelves. Please book a day ahead so we can hold your slot.
What to bring
Warm layers
The mesa can drop 30°F after sunset, even in summer.
A red torch
Or borrow one at the front desk. White lights stay in the car.
Binoculars
Ours are free to use, but bring yours if you know them well.
Patience
The darkest sky comes after midnight, once the moon is down.