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Sunspot
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National Solar Observatory/ Sacramento Peak
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National Solar Observatory/ Sacramento Peak

See all things to do
See all things to do
National Solar Observatory/ Sacramento Peak
3.5
39
#2 of 3 things to do in Sunspot
Speciality Museums
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Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
2 within 6 miles
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27
0 ftSpeciality Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
39 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
17
Average
5
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Cameron M
Mobile, AL723 contributions
well worth the drive - best views and cool science.
Greatly exceeded my expectations.
1. Best viewpoint of the Tularosa Basin and White sands on the whole Sacramento Mtn range.
2. We showed up at noon and enjoyed a great interaction with the lead scientist Telescope Ted and the docent Heidi in the control room during observations.
3. Great little static science display in the visitors center
4. Great little gift shop with plenty of on-target Sunspot plus kitschy tourist options.
5. Helpful and informative visitor center hostess.
6. clean bathrooms!
7. good picnic location.
Pay attention to the web site for observation times.
Written May 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jen
8 contributions
Great stop
The staff was so incredibly friendly. In the observatory/telescope, they took the time to give us detailed answers to the questions from our 11 year old. In the visitor center, she was so kind and gave us suggestions with detailed directions to nearby trails. Unfortunately for us, it was cloudy that day so we were unable to actually observe, but obviously not the fault of the attraction at all. The views of White Sands in the distance are amazing from the scenic overlook. Not only did we enjoy our time at the observatory, we also loved the drive up and down the mountain. We stopped at several spots for photos of the the spectacular views, as well as several great trails.
Written March 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravelinSuz
Chandler, AZ943 contributions
Finally here are 25 years
I 1st drove by this place on the way home from Carlsbad caverns in 1996. I finally got here and they were open. They used to have on demand tours. Now you can tour the outside all buildings with museum and gift shop. To see the telescopes you have to book a tour in advance. You don’t get to see the images they got recently or a lot about what they are doing and why. So it’s not like other observatories in that way.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MikeB1952
Colorado Springs, CO968 contributions
Even on a Cloudy Day, It's Impressive
While traveling through the area, decided to go to the Observatory. Quite a bit of information about it on the Web.

We went into the Visitor Center and the helpful attendant directed us outside to the self guided tour around the various telescopes that had been built over the years - beginning in 1952 with a Sears special (read about it on the Web). We were able to tour the big telescope. It's quite impressive. Lots of instruments and some descriptive information. Off to one side are a bunch of monitors for analyzing the data from the telescope (and no, they don't look directly at the sun). Since it was cloudy, not much activity.

The area was once quite the place with almost 100 people working here. Google areal view shows a lot of buildings.

We really enjoyed our tour. And the Visitor Center attendant was both cordial, friendly and informative.

Glad we came.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DLT6913
Kerrville, TX67 contributions
Small but Interesting
Family
Very friendly and accommodating staff. They made sure we were aware of all the opportunities for learning and exploring the facilities. Interesting that the telescope has been there 50 years and is still going strong.
Written November 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
honeymoon travelers
Rowland Heights, CA25 contributions
The more you engage the more you get!
Couples
We were the first guests to arrive on a sunday morning and the staff was super nice and informational. The grad student at the tower was super fun to talk too and answered our questions with a helpful attitude and considering we didn't really barely understand it was kid. Great view, nice walk, and left with a better understanding for this type of science program.
Written July 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
965deborahv
Lincoln, NE, United States158 contributions
Very interesting site
Try to visit this while it is still open. They are building a facility in Hawaii and then this one will close down. Call first to see if it is and re-calibration mode. It is also a pretty drive. However do not use GPS, call and get directions!
Written July 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fbglove
Fredericksburg, TX936 contributions
Beautiful drive; interesting place
Couples
This is a very interesting place to visit and the drive leading to it is really beautiful. Very friendly and helpful staff. We'd like to return when the autumn colors arrive in the mountains.
Written June 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sean M
Smithfield, Utah, United States279 contributions
Pleasant Visit
Couples
The visitor center has information about the sun and the solar system. They put on a 25 minute movie for us narrated by Whoopie Goldberg that was interesting. You are allowed to walk the grounds and see several observatories that have been used over the last 70 years. Most are no longer in use and are in pretty sad shape. The view of the Tularosa Valley is amazing.
Written June 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancy H
Alamogordo, NM836 contributions
Appropriate for all ages
Couples
If you are a science enthusiast this is for you. If your small children need to run off some energy this is the place. Your school age children can observe what a science project looks like. Want to experience cool mountain air? The National Solar Observatory is a must-see.
Written May 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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National Solar Observatory/ Sacramento Peak (Sunspot) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about National Solar Observatory/ Sacramento Peak