Pinto Valley observatory
Satellite imagery: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics
Pinto Valley Observatory is an astronomical observation site in California's Mojave Desert, associated with the astronomy department at El Camino College.
About Pinto Valley Observatory
The observatory is used by El Camino College for observing trips and houses a computerized 20-inch Dall-Kirkham telescope, a design well suited to detailed planetary and deep-sky viewing under dark desert conditions.
Telescopes & research
The site's primary instrument is a 20-inch computerized Dall-Kirkham telescope, used to support astronomy education and observing sessions for students and visitors.
Location & getting there
Pinto Valley Observatory lies in the Mojave Desert in California, a remote setting that benefits from low light pollution and clear, dry desert air well suited to observing.
Visiting Pinto Valley Observatory
Visits are generally organised through El Camino College's astronomy program as observing trips rather than open public hours. Check with the college's astronomy department for current schedules before planning a visit.
See your named star from here
The desert skies around Pinto Valley Observatory are exactly the kind of dark setting where the coordinates of a star you've named through Star Register can be tracked down with a telescope. Explore the star catalogue to find your star's position.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
