When you visit the Eastern Sierra Observatory for a night of stargazing, you’ll check in around 6 pm, or whenever is best for you after that time (we’ll be in contact the day before you arrive). We’ll meet at the Poleta OHV parking lot on Redding Canyon Rd (map below) just east of Bishop. If your vehicle has 4 wheel drive and you enjoy a little off-road driving, then we’ll escort you the rest of the way up the mountain (another 10 minutes at slow speed). If your vehicle doesn’t have 4WD or you just don’t want to drive it all the way up, then we’ll shuttle you and your belongings from there.

Upon arrival at the ESO, you’ll be given a quick tour of the grounds and shown to your SHIFTPODs. After you get settled in, you’ll be free to roam the area and check out the sights. You’ll want to bring your own dinner, and if needed you can prepare it using kitchen which features a huge four burner grill, giant 36” flat top griddle, two stove-top burners, and a four-tub heated sink. A spatula and tongs are available, as well as disposable silverware and plates. There are no pots or pans on hand, so you’ll want to bring some if needed. Beer, wine, and all your favorite beverages are fine to bring as well, just please keep it responsible.

As twilight ensues, you’ll likely want to take a moment to gaze at what are always some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.

Once darkness sets in, we’ll get started with the telescope — a 14” Meade LX850! Since group sizes will always be small, everyone will have plenty of time to bask in everything we observe. Take your time… let your eyes adjust… and take in what you’re looking at. You’ll also have the option of stargazing from the hot tub, or relaxing in one of several zero-gravity chairs — the night is yours! In addition to the pool table and giant 2’ chess set, there are two bluetooth SOUNDBOKS speakers onsite for any of your music needs, and at the end of the night, you’ll head back to your SHIFTPOD to retire on a comfy padded cot — just bring your own sleeping bags/pillows/etc. Each SHIFTPOD has a small power pack for your charging needs, and a galaxy lamp for ultimate ambiance as well.

The next morning, coffee will be served. There will also always be drinking water available during your stay. We do have coffee mugs on hand, or you can bring your own if you have one you love. We generally do not keep sugar or creamer on hand. As mentioned above, we have disposable plates and silverware to offer as well. If you foresee any kitchen items you may need, by all means please ask.

Our bathroom facilities include a very clean porta-potty with hand sanitizer, and a hot outdoor shower is available as well. Please bring your own towels for the hot tub and shower.

Once we wrap up in the morning no later than 11:00, please, we’ll shuttle or escort you back down to where it all began. If you’re staying more than one night, you’ll likely want to do some kind of day trip in the area as there are many great ones (see EasternSierraNevada.com for ideas). If this is the case, then we’ll pick you back up again that evening for round two! Or, if you’re staying more than one night and you’d like to spend the entire day relaxing and exploring at the ESO, that’s fine too. We will always strive to accommodate any requests you may have to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Some things you’ll want to bring:

• a headlamp and/or flashlight with a red light option (headlamps work best)

• shoes/sandals/footwear, and flip flops for getting out of the hot tub, etc. — NEVER walk around this Mars-like landscape barefoot or you’ll regret it!

• appropriate clothes for nighttime weather (during summer it stays pretty warm all night)

• your dinner and any snacks or beverages you’d like

• any medications or personal supplies as you may be away from your vehicle

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, otherwise we’ll hope to see you soon for this unique stargazing experience!