Sedona & Joshua Tree: Night Vision Stargazing Tour UFO Stories

Summary

See Sedona’s ancient stars with night vision and Native stories

You’ll slip on military-grade night vision goggles and see Sedona’s or Joshua Tree’s sky like you never have before—thousands of hidden stars revealed, guided by local stories and laughter in a small group setting. Expect quiet awe, unexpected connections, and a sense of wonder that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the stars—it was how everyone just went quiet when we put on those weird, heavy night vision goggles. I could hear someone’s jacket rustle, the crunch of gravel under my boots. Our guide, Mike (who grew up around here), handed me the binoculars and grinned like he knew what was coming. Suddenly, it felt like the sky cracked open—thousands of stars where there’d just been blackness a second ago. You know that feeling when you realize you’ve been missing something right in front of you? That.

We were a tiny group—maybe seven of us—and nobody really knew each other at first. But after Mike told us about “etuaptmumk” (I still can’t pronounce it), this idea from the Mi’kmaq people about seeing with two eyes—science and story—I started looking at everything differently. He pointed out constellations but also shared how his grandmother used to tell stories about them. Someone tried to spot a UFO (no luck for us that night, unless satellites count). The air smelled faintly of sagebrush, and someone kept giggling every time they saw a shooting star through the goggles.

I didn’t expect to feel so small—in a good way. There was this moment when nobody spoke for ages, just staring up while Mike quietly adjusted his laser pointer, tracing some shape I’d already forgotten. My hands got cold holding the binoculars, but I didn’t want to stop looking. Even now, back in my noisy city apartment, I keep thinking about that silence under all those impossible stars.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stargazing with night vision goggles

• Meet at viewing location
• Receive night vision binoculars
• Observe stars with GEN3 goggles
• Experience Native American star stories
• Enjoy interactive storytelling and laughter

Top questions

How many people are on the stargazing tour?

Usually no more than 8 guests per group.

Is equipment provided for the night vision stargazing tour?

Yes, all equipment including GEN3 military night vision goggles is provided.

Where does the stargazing tour take place?

The tours run in Sedona or Joshua Tree at selected viewing locations.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is pickup included for this stargazing experience?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at the designated viewing location.

What is "etuaptmumk" mentioned during the tour?

"Etuaptmumk" is a Mi’kmaq concept meaning "two-eyed seeing," blending science and traditional wisdom.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome during the experience.

Do I need any special fitness level for this activity?

No special fitness level is required; suitable for all abilities.

What’s included

Your evening includes GEN3 AN/PVS-7 military night vision goggles, laser pointers for constellation spotting, binoculars to share around, comfortable chairs set up at the site, and hand sanitizer if you want it—all ready when you arrive at our meeting point in Sedona or Joshua Tree.