Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff Travel Guide

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Explore the cosmos at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, where Pluto was discovered and astronomical history continues to unfold.

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Lowell Observatory

Perched atop Mars Hill in Flagstaff, Arizona, Lowell Observatory is a historic astronomical site. Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, it's renowned for Clyde Tombaugh's 1930 discovery of Pluto and for its significant contributions to lunar mapping for the Apollo missions. Today, visitors can explore exhibits, tour historic telescopes, and gaze at the cosmos, continuing a legacy of astronomical exploration.

A brief summary to Lowell Observatory

1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86001, US
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Monday 12 pm-10 pm
Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
Thursday 12 pm-10 pm
Friday 12 pm-10 pm
Saturday 12 pm-10 pm
Sunday 12 pm-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lowell Observatory.

Check the weather forecast before visiting, as telescope viewing is dependent on clear skies.
Arrive early to allow ample time to explore the exhibits and participate in tours.
Dress in layers, as the temperature can drop significantly in the evening, especially at the observatory's 7,200-foot elevation.
Take advantage of the red flashlights available at the front desk to preserve night vision and minimize light pollution.
Consider visiting during special events like meteor shower viewings or the annual I Heart Pluto Festival.

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Explore Lowell Observatory on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lowell Observatory, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the intersection of S Milton Rd and W Santa Fe Ave in Flagstaff, head west on W Santa Fe Ave, which becomes W Mars Hill Rd. Continue up the hill for about 0.6 miles to Lowell Observatory. The walk is moderately steep and takes approximately 20-30 minutes. There are sidewalks along the route. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

From Flagstaff Amtrak station, several bus lines (2, 3, 5, 66, 7) stop near Lowell Observatory. Take any of these buses to the Santa Fe/Park WB stop. From there, walk west on Santa Fe Ave, which becomes W Mars Hill Rd, for about 0.4 miles to the observatory. A single bus fare costs $2. The walk from the bus stop takes about 8 minutes.
Driving

From downtown Flagstaff, travel to the intersection of S Milton Rd and W Santa Fe Ave. Head west on W Santa Fe Ave, which becomes W Mars Hill Rd. Continue up the hill for approximately 0.6 miles to Lowell Observatory. Parking is available on the left upon arrival. Parking is free.

Discover more about Lowell Observatory

Lowell Observatory, a National Historic Landmark, sits on Mars Hill overlooking Flagstaff, Arizona. Founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell, the observatory was initially established to study Mars. Over the years, it has become a pivotal center for astronomical research and public education.The observatory is most famous as the location where Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto in 1930 using the 13-inch Lawrence Lowell Telescope. The Clark Refracting Telescope, a 24-inch telescope built in 1896, played a crucial role in mapping the moon for the Apollo 11 mission. Today, visitors can view the night sky through this historic telescope.Visitors can explore a range of exhibits, including the Putnam Collection Center, which showcases artifacts from the observatory's history. The Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center, opened in November 2024, offers interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and state-of-the-art telescopes. Daily guided tours provide insights into the observatory's history and ongoing research.Lowell Observatory continues to contribute to astronomical research, with several telescopes operating at different locations in the Flagstaff area. The Giovale Open Deck Observatory features a variety of telescopes for public viewing. The observatory's commitment to dark sky preservation earned it the Outstanding Eco-Friendly Programming Attraction Award in 2020.