VISIT THE CAMPUS

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

For scheduled monthly 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:

• Download/print this "Plan Your Trip" document.
• Park in designated parking areas, then walk in. Please do not let your car’s headlights shine toward the dome.
• All programs are outside under the awesome desert sky. There are bleachers and benches; guests should bring a cushion or, for special needs patrons, a camp chair.
• 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.
• Please carry out your trash.
• 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.
• It can get quite cold at 2800 feet, so dress for unpredictable desert weather: bring a jacket and/or blanket. Be prepared with a warm hat, gloves, and boots, and extra layers.
• Bring a red flashlight. No white light (including flashlights, cell phones, and flash photography) is welcome at night programs.

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. There usually are visiting astronomers with telescopes on campus. You are welcome to join them.
• If an individual or group is observing or photographing on a night when no program is scheduled, please do not interrupt them.