TheSkySearchers

The Kaibab star party is held simultaneously with the Grand Canyon star party at the North and South rim. It was borne from the need of having a bit more space than the patio of the lodge at the North rim that can only accommodate about 10 scopes max, and that is also for outreach only. The Kaibab site is at the front of the Kaibab Lodge and deMotte campground that are right next to each other, on a large meadow. It is outside the park less than half an hour from the North rim by car (assuming you are not held up by freely roaming bisons). The skies were Bortle 1 in 2022 on the nights when it was clear. There is a monsoon roughly from mid June through mid September. In 2022 we were out of luck on most nights except one. We try to have a presentation every day at the Kaibab lodge. The Kaibab lodge also has a good restaurant, and there is a small store across the road. Keep in mind this is pretty remote, generally no cell phone or internet except at the Kaibab lodge, and the water is trucked in.

https://www.saguaroastro.org/grand-canyon-star-party/
https://www.saguaroastro.org/kaibab-lodge-star-party/

When making reservations at the lodge or campground don't wait too long because you will be competing with the rim to rim hikers. There will be fewer of them later in the season because of the heat but we want to sync with the GC party. You can also camp wild in the national forest but please be modest and ecologically responsible when you do that. So far it has been a small star party with about 10 participants total or so, with a decent number of guests viewing on good nights. It is mainly an outreach event but you can do AP in a slightly separated location. Both spots are on the large meadow facing the road. While the skies are Bortle 1, the south bound cars turning around one corner on the road shine their brights straight at us. We found a different spot nearby shielded by a slight hill so with any luck that will fix the problem next year.

I am not an organizer myself though I have been involved in some meetings to give this event some more exposure. We have started working with the Kaibab lodge and national forest service to get some extra places to stay as late comers had to be turned down last year because it was too late to make reservations. What this results in remains TBD. Just don't wait too long. Besides the star party there is the fabulous North rim, the North Kaibab trail, and Vermillion cliffs not too far away. Lots of forest roads and hiking trails or other interesting nature sites.

At this time get your directions and instructions from the two links above. Depending on the organizational developments, other sites may show up later.

Thanks Henk,

I really enjoy reading about this wonderful event even though I probably won’t ever get there. I’ve been to the GC several times over the years and can only imagine what a nice time it would be. It’s an absolutely beautiful place.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for he info Henk. May try to attend, if possible. I have enjoyed several trips to the GC over the years, including the hike down to the floor of the canyon and back.