VISIT THE CAMPUS

Visit the Observatory & Nature Trail Day or Night

CAMPUS CLOSURES & OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

The public is welcome to explore the campus during the day and most nights, except during scheduled programs and/or special events.

For scheduled programs, visit our Program Calendar. Or, take a Virtual Tour right now! This virtual tour can also be used as a self-guided tour while on campus.

We are an all-volunteer organization. We ask that you be respectful and note the following before your visit:

  • Park in designated parking areas, then walk in.
  • All buildings, including the dome and restrooms, are closed except during scheduled programs and when docents* are on campus. Docents are usually present on Saturday mornings to set up the solar scope for a safe view of the Sun and to give tours of the Orrery (a true-to-scale and true-to-position model of the Solar System at a scale of 20 billion to 1).
  • There is no running water. Please bring plenty of drinking water with you.
  • No smoking, vaping, or open flames on campus.
  • No alcohol or drugs including marijuana.
  • No pets.
  • No camping or overnight stays are permitted anywhere on the property.
  • Remember that this is a Nature Center, so please wear closed-toe shoes and never tease, feed, or try to catch any wildlife, including snakes, lizards, jackrabbits, coyotes, or bobcats.

Tips: 

  • Plan your visit in advance by getting a sneak peek at our Virtual Campus Tour. Or use it as self-guided tour while on campus.
  • We recommend the free app Sky View Lite, which has a red screen night setting and will show you the locations of constellations, planets, satellites, etc.
  • There are no telescopes for public use except during public programs, but you are welcome to set up your own telescopes or cameras.
  • If an individual or group is observing or photographing on a night when no program is scheduled, please do not interrupt them.

Make sure to check with JTNP for any ranger-led programs. Don’t forget to take a look at visit29.org for lodging, dining, and other attractions to explore during your visit. Or stop by the Rancho Mirage Observatory to see what they are offering during your visit.

*DOCENTS: There is USUALLY a docent on campus on Saturday morning, but because we are all volunteers, occasionally another commitment or personal issue might mean the docent is unavailable.

Take a Virtual Campus Tour

Use the virtual campus tour to explore the highlights of the Sky's The Limit Observatory & Nature Center campus through an interactive map with photos and detailed information. Or you can use this while visiting the campus as a self-guided tour.

MORE INFORMATION