The most common comment is that the constellations are no longer obvious because of the vast number of visible stars.  Several Messier objects (such as Andromeda, the Great Orion Nebula, and the Beehive Cluster) are visible with the naked eye.

Our location in the southwestern high desert means that highly dense constellations like Scorpio and Sagittarius will be fully and clearly visible above the horizon.  The Milky Way can be observed from horizon to horizon.

Our cool, clear, still air makes the observation of elusive deep sky objects and long exposure astrophotography much easier.

Guest Options:

Unlimited use of an open guest pad is complementary and included in your room rental.

Reserve one, or both rooms in the Geodesic Dome Guest House. The East Dome includes a queen bed. The West Dome includes a double bed and a sleeper couch. Each room also includes comfortable chairs, a desk, wall mounted 4K TV and blu-ray player, refrigerator and a microwave. Each room is it’s own small museum with original art, photography and display cases filled with space and astronomy related items.

Breakfast is available in the center dome. The center dome is open to all and includes large table and chairs, couch, and kitchenette with electric stove / oven.

Wi-Fi access is available throughout the entire site but due to our remote location may at times be limited.

Reserve the RV pad for your vehicle or camper with electric and sewer hookups.

Reserve one of the fully equipped observatories for an evening.

Reserve a session in the Solar Observatory.

We include a complementary orientation and equipment checkout.

No minimum stay.

Complementary use of over 1000 DVD’s, books and other materials from our lending library during your stay.

Renting an observatory is optional.

We are a remote high altitude desert location. We are a long way from emergency services. Please read the page on visiting Lost Sky Ranch to make sure your stay is as comfortable and safe as possible.

Check In is at anytime before dark the day of the reservation.

Check Out is up to 4 PM the following day. Spend your last night observing with us and sleep in if you like.

Questions before you arrive? Send us an email or we can set up a call to make sure that we understand your expectations and so we can do everything possible to make sure you have a great stay.

Our facility offers a choice of two rooms and one RV site. This limitation allows us to provide a high level of individualized service to each of our customers.

The Observatories

Bringing your own equipment?

Unlimited use of an open sky guest pad is included with your room rental.

Your guest pad will allow you to set up your equipment and leave it in a secure area for the length of your stay.  The guest pads are always open to the sky.  Bring your own cover for your equipment when it’s not in use.  Quad electric outlets are available on both pads

We have five guest observatories available for your use.

POD 1 - A six foot SkyShed POD configured for Astrophotography. $150 per night rental fee.

GUEST PAD 39A - A ten foot square walled enclosure for guest equipment. Included.

PRO DOME - A ten foot Pro Dome with a 14 inch SCT for visual use. $150 per night rental fee.

POD 2 - A six foot SkyShed POD configured as a solar observatory. Included.

GUEST PAD 39B - A ten foot circular ground level pad for guest equipment. Included.

The rental scopes are columnated, permanently mounted on piers and are north aligned.  Use our selection of eye pieces or bring your own.  Use our cameras and computers or bring your own imaging equipment.   All reservations in Lost Sky observatories include a complimentary orientation session so that you are comfortable with the equipment.  For the best experience, please plan on arriving in time for a daylight orientation session.  We’re on hand evening hours to answer questions and help with the equipment. 

We have a large selection of astronomy equipment.  Forget something?  Let us know.  We may have a loaner.

Warming Room / Studio

Your stay includes unlimited use of the Warming Room / Studio. Close to the observatories this heated room includes a desk, monitor, media port and a reference library. The room has both white and red internal lighting to preserve your night vision. This is a quiet space to work on your images or to connect remotely to your equipment on the guest pad. We also have hot coffee, cocoa and tea to ease the evening chill.

Note that this is also a shared studio space for use by our artist guests.

Our Clear Sky Guarantee!

We want you to have a great - no regrets - experience!  Rent an observatory for a night.  If for any reason you choose not to use it, cloudy skies, wind or you just don’t feel like it that evening, there is no charge for the observatory.

Long Stay Bonus!

Rent a room or the RV pad for five nights and the sixth night is on us — no charge.

New to Astronomy?

Introductory Sky Tours are available on request.

Have a question? Just ask.

Forgot something? Just ask.