Visitas Públicas al Observatorio Nacional Kitt Peak

Visitas Públicas al Observatorio Nacional Kitt Peak

Guided Daytime Tours of Kitt Peak National Observatory are open all week. Spaces are limited to 20 guests per tour. Please make your reservation in advance to guarantee a spot.

Kitt Peak is very much alive during the daylight hours and offers a variety of activities to enjoy.

During the summer, the mountain is a great place to beat the desert heat.

Each tour, led by a docent, visits one of the large, historic telescopes of Kitt Peak. Telescopes are occasionally closed to the public for maintenance. The Visitor Center does its best to alert visitors of any changes to the regularly scheduled tours.

The program requires extensive walking. Most facilities visited are not wheelchair-accessible. Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes, and be able to walk the distances between the telescopes and climb stairs.

Duration: 1 hour

Strollers: Strollers or carry-on infants are not permitted.

Advance reservation: Advance reservation is strongly recommended

Price:

  • 1 Daytime tour (regular) $19.95
  • 1 Daytime tour (discounted) $15.95

Discounts: Discounts (20%) are available for seniors from age 62, groups of 8 persons or more, active duty military with ID, ASTC members and students with ID.

Tohono O’odham Nation: This program is free to members of the Tohono O’odham nation (TON Tribal IDs will be checked upon arrival).

KPNO 2.1-meter Telescope: 10:00 am

Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope: 12:00 pm

KPNO 2.1-meter Telescope: 2:15 pm

Safety

  1. Be cautious and respectful of wildlife; do not feed, pursue, or approach wildlife
  2. Stay with your guide and group
  3. No rock climbing or bouldering
  4. Stay out of recently burned areas
  5. If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness (dizziness, severe headache, etc) let your guide know immediately
  6. Be aware that high winds can make doors (on both cars and buildings) dangerous

Nighttime Programs

We are also gradually reopening the exclusive Overnight Telescope Observing Program starting Saturday 15 April, 2023. This custom program gives you the full observatory experience and makes up to 4 guests visiting astronomers at Kitt Peak. Book your tickets on Eventbrite.

How to get to Kitt Peak National Observatory: Check here