Visitor & Science Center

Inside the Visitor and Science Center

Exhibits, displays, science demonstrations and activities inside the Visitor and Science Center provide an introduction to astrophysical concepts explored daily by both on-site and globally-based researchers and scientists. Exhibits and programming explore FLWO’s telescopes and instrumentation, history, findings, our dependence on dark skies and the fight against light pollution, and how it all connects back to the public, Arizona, and our role in unlocking the mysteries of the Universe.

Outside the Visitor and Science Center

Exploring the exhibits just outside the FLWO Visitor and Science Center will help you to see how our scientists—and citizen scientists like you—engage in science every day. Interpretive exhibits surrounding the native flora, fauna, and our very own petroglyphs are mixed in alongside the NASA MicroObservatory—where you can be the scientist—and a trail of panels exploring VERITAS and its connection to gamma-ray astronomy, cosmology, and the creation of the Universe.

Please note: FREE timed ticketed entry is highly suggested for all visitors to the Science Center. Please check out "Touring the Observatory and Science Center" for more information on how to secure your tickets, or head directly eTix to secure your tickets.

TOUR TICKETS

Whipple Observatory offers multiple tour programs to inspire wonder in learning about astrophysics, space science, and the science in our daily lives.

Up Close with VERITAS walking tour (hard hat)
Get "up close" with FLWO's gamma-ray telescopes in a behind the scenes tour of the Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array System (VERITAS). This hard-hat walking tour enters restricted areas of the observatory and offers a walk up the platform of a VERITAS telescope and the opportunity to stand in its shadow. Requires closed-toe shoes, a leant hard hat/bump cap and the ability to walk unaided over sometimes uneven terrain and stairs for one hour. Recommended for ages 8+.

Price: $20 + taxes and fees per person. Every guest must have their own ticket. Up Close is limited to 16 people per tour. No exceptions.

Tickets are available now at eTix.

Special topics (walking tour)
Learn more about Whipple Observatory and what makes our home in the Coronado National Forest special. This walking tour starts at the nature trail just outside the gate and is based on the tour guide's personal topic preference. Beginning October 2025, choose from: Sky Islands, Light Pollution, Ecology of the Desert.

Special topics tours will be open based on tour guide availability.

Public Mountain Tour (MMT, Ridge Telescopes)
Public tours to the MMT and Ridge telescopes are currently on hiatus as we envision a new and better tour experience. We are unable to offer estimations on when this program will reopen.

Private VIP Mountain Tours (VERITAS, MMT, Ridge Telescopes)
Reserved for private parties of 1-5 individuals, private VIP mountain tours are a new and exclusive tour experience expected to open in late 2025. You and up to 4 of your closest friends/family will experience a carefully crafted (with your input) tour of Whipple Observatory's science and telescopes.
Please note: We do not offer VIP tours of the Observatory on public open days (Fridays), on federal holidays, or during Monsoon season (roughly June 20-September 20). Thank you for your understanding.

Star parties, public lectures, and public science programming with Whipple Observatory are often conducted on partner sites. Please visit our Facebook page for more information about upcoming events, and subscribe to The Observer to get regular updates.

Cyclists, hikers, and amateur astronomers are welcome at FLWO, and may traverse the mountain road to 12km, making use of trails and the astronomy vista located along the way. There is no stopping on Mt. Hopkins Rd. for any reason, except at obvious side-of-the-road pullouts. This curved road with many blind spots sees regular traffic both day and night from observatory staff, researchers, and construction crews.

No public traffic is allowed past the locked barrier gate at 12km, as this could endanger the safety of researchers, telescopes, scientists, and you. Please note and adhere to the "no trespassing" sign at this location. No exceptions will be made.

The only public restrooms for cyclists, hikers, and amateur astronomers are located at the Whipple Nature Walk Trailhead outside of the gates to the Science Center and administrative buildings at the base of the mountain. Water here is untreated and it is not advisable to fill drinking water at this location; as such, the water fountains have been turned off. Please pack all required water for your trip. For questions, please contact the Nogales Ranger District of the U.S. National Forest Service.

Amateur astronomers are encouraged to use the Astronomy Vista, located roughly 1.5km up Mt. Hopkins Rd. after the wash on the left. Parking is on the right. There are no public restrooms at this location.

Health & Safety Notices

• Elevation: The summit elevation of Mt. Hopkins is 8,550 feet. Persons with health concerns affected by high altitude should consult a physician before embarking on activities at Mt. Hopkins.
• Physical requirements: The nature of Mt. Hopkins requires some strenuous uphill travel for those on foot or on bicycle. Please consult with a physician before embarking on activities at Mt. Hopkins.
• Weather and road conditions: Tours may be cancelled at any time due to poor weather or road conditions if safety is a concern. If weather seems poor on the day of your tour, please call in advance of travel.
• Lighting: There is no outdoor lighting surrounding the Observatory to protect dark skies and preserve research. Night and early morning visitors are encouraged to procure appropriate RED LIGHT lighting as headlights, bicycle lights, and flashlights are highly discouraged.
• Road condition: The road from the Visitor and Science Center is a single-lane dirt road with no guard rails up to the gate at 12km. Persons unaccustomed to traveling on mountain roads of this type should carefully consider whether to travel this road. There is no public traffic allowed past the locked gate at 12km.