Are dogs allowed?

Friendly dogs are allowed. Please clean up after your dogs.

When will 2024 dates be available?

We’re not sure, but probably sometime late summer or fall of 2023. Please get on our email list to be among the first to know when they go on sale.

Can I bring beer/wine/alcohol to enjoy?

Yes.

Will my cell phone work at the observatory?

Yes, you should have pretty much full service as we have clear line of sight to a nearby cell tower.

How can I reserve a night for only one or two people?

We typically only book the whole place out to groups of any number up to 16 just because there is only one hot tub, one kitchen, one sound system, etc., so it’s a better experience if everyone is on the same page so to speak. If you’re looking to book a visit for a party of one or two or something small, and don’t want to rent out the whole place, then please see our select Observatory Lecture Nights, Death Valley Starcamp (separate location next to Death Valley), or other larger Meteor Shower Parties and Dark Sky Festivals on our Events page.

What is the difference between the observatory, the Death Valley Starcamp, the dark sky festivals and meteor shower parties, etc.?

Our main observatory location is 15 minutes east of Bishop, and operates approximately from April or May through September or October. The observatory is only offered to rent out the entire place for any party size up to 16 people except for select lecture nights which are sold as one SHIFTPOD for two people. This location has the hot tub, kitchen, pool table, huge telescope, etc. Please note that the hot tub is unavailable during lecture nights.

The Death Valley Starcamp is offered approximately November through mid-December and February through March or April, and takes place at our Panamint Valley location next to Death Valley. These campsites are sold by the SHIFTPOD and are a great option for couples and families who don’t want to rent out the entire observatory. There are less amenities aside from the telescope.

The California Dark Sky Festival, Great Orion Dark Sky Festival, and Geminids Meteor Shower Party (not offered every year) take place at our Panamint Valley location, and are larger events where guests bring their own tents/RVs/camper vans, etc., to camp onsite, and feature huge telescopes, astronomy lectures, Q&As with astronomers, etc.

The Perseids Meteor Shower Party is held at our location near Lovelock, Nevada (better temperatures for the middle of August than our Panamint Valley location), and is also a larger event which features astronomy lectures, huge telescopes, camping onsite in your tent/RV/camper van, etc.

Please note this FAQ pertains to the main observatory location. FAQs for the other locations coming soon.

Where are you located?

Our main observatory is located at the site of an old gold mine just east of Bishop, California. When you visit, we’ll meet your party at the Poleta OHV area to guide and/or shuttle you up the mountain.

Are kids allowed?

We don’t have any rules on age, however, please keep in mind that our observatory location is a rugged area with unprotected cliffs, and other hazards which can be an issue with kids. If you plan to bring your kids - especially a group of them - please be prepared to watch them well.

Are there discounted prices for kids and/or do they count towards the headcount?

Unless you’re talking about an infant, there is not a discounted kids rate and they do count towards the headcount.

Do I really need four wheel drive to get up the mountain?

Yes, you’ll want four wheel drive and some clearance to get up the mountain. If you don’t have this, then we can shuttle your group.

Do I need to bring a pillow or sleeping bag/bedding?

Yes, each SHIFTPOD has padded cots, but please bring your own pillows/bedding/etc.

What type of restroom is available?

We have a very clean porta-potty.

Is there a shower or hot water available?

Yes, there is a hot shower available, and hot water for cooking/coffee/tea/etc., can be heated using a Jetboil, or, you can use our stovetop with any pots/pans you bring.

Do I need to bring food?

You should provide your own food, snacks, and any beverages you’d like outside of drinking water (which we provide). You can use our grill, griddle, and stovetop burner. We have a spatula and tongs, as well as disposable plates and silverware if you need it. We have drinking water onsite, and we will provide coffee in the morning.

Don’t see your question? Please send email to: contact@easternsierraobservatory.com