Paul T.
Google
Great evening and night of tour and gazing. Met us at Iron Door parking lot with vans up the (closed in winter) road. All significant moves were by van, except walk from education building to sunset viewpoint.
The hosts pulled out a Dobsonian to look at the Large Binocular Telescope across the valley shortly after mountain top arrival, which was a little bonus; also clear in binoculars. Toured the dome where we'd be later and viewed a star visible in broad daylight, something you don't see much!
"Chalk talk" indoors with sandwiches, chips and cookies gave a warm up opportunity before sunset. Gift shop with blankets, hand warmers...and great photos available.
Nice view of sunset with Kitt Peak in view. Rather windy at this viewpoint so truly bring all your warmest clothes!
Returned to indoor space for a few minutes and headed back to telescope dome. It is cold, as the dome is open, but not too much wind as the dome is open just on one side, of course. There is a warm room and toilet in the dome. The lights will be out, so expect to operate in the dark or with low red light (protecting night vision), in the dome. The sky tour included six or so stops ranging from planets (including Great Red Spot on Jupiter, on our visit) to galaxies. Very nice views with good descriptions of what we viewed and the classes of objects viewed. We also watched the International Space Station fly over. Lots of lucky coincidences.
They drill into your pre-arrival that it's cold. DO NOT IGNORE THIS WARNING. I don't care where you're from or how sturdy you think you are. You need ear, head, neck, foot, and full body coverage with as much insulation as you have. Thermal long sleeve top, thermal bottom or pants plus sweats or other second layer is best, WOOL socks. Your heaviest coat will be wanted. I run warm and can be fine in shorts and tee at 50F, but wore all of the above to be comfortable (and had another layer just in case). It's better to wear slightly too much than not enough when stargazing!
Hosts were very good!