We want you to enjoy our night skies but we do urge you to pay attention to the special circumstances you may face when visiting our stargazing locations—and to always RECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Below are a few tips for both:
Fill up before you head out. Make sure you have plenty of gas, water and whatever else you need before you travel to your destination. Some of these locations are many, many miles from services.
Play it safe. Check road and weather conditions before heading out.
Plan ahead. Cell service can be spotty and nonexistent in some locations.
Be wildlife wise. Always carry bear spray and be bear aware. Also keep your eyes open for rattlesnakes and other critters.
Take cautions seriously. When a location description says “high-clearance vehicles only” and has warnings like “impassable when wet,” please take note and plan accordingly.
Know your limits. Explore local trails and parks but please do so within your personal and physical limits.
Leave no trace. If you pack it in, pack it out—this includes pet and human waste, and all trash, even things like fruit rinds and cherry pits.
Leave what you find. Respect the land by not removing things like rocks and natural artifacts.
Be wildland-fire aware. Follow local guidelines about if and where it's safe to build a campfire, and never leave a campfire unattended. Always fully extinguish a campfire before you leave or go to sleep. Be aware of fire restrictions in any of the areas you are visiting. You can find them here. Find information on current wildfires in Montana here, and locations of wildfires across the United States here.