Travel Program

Griffith Observatory Foundation’s Travel Program extends the Observatory’s mission beyond Los Angeles by leading educational journeys to places of scientific, historical, and cultural significance.

Destinations are chosen for more than their beauty. Each one offers a rich story about the universe, and our place in it, that is best understood by actually being there.

Travelers experience astronomical and geological phenomena alongside a community of like-minded, curious people. Every trip directly supports Griffith Observatory’s mission of public astronomy and accessible science education. 

Registration for the Travel Program’s two trips in 2027 opens in phases beginning Tuesday, September 22. 

Please contact Griffith Observatory Foundation at info@griffithobservatoryfoundation.org for more information.

Trip details, itineraries, and pricing are provided in good faith based on current information and are subject to change.

When can I register?
Early Registration opens Tuesday, September 22, with additional phases to follow as space allows. Spots for each trip are limited, and trips may sell out before the registration deadlines. We kindly encourage timely registration.

For more information, please contact Griffith Observatory Foundation at info@griffithobservatoryfoundation.org.

How do I register?

• Flagstaff: Registration will be completed through an online form managed by Griffith Observatory Foundation. Payment may be made online or by mailing a check to Griffith Observatory Foundation.
• Iceland: Registration will be completed through an online form managed by Royal Adventures, our travel partner for this trip. Printed registration and payment by check will also be accepted by mail.

Is this trip open to the public, or just Foundation members?
Registration opens in phases with Foundation members and supporters receiving priority access before the general public. Space for each trip is limited and cannot be guaranteed. For more information, please contact Griffith Observatory Foundation.

Can I travel alone?
Yes. Accommodations are arranged for double occupancy, with single accommodations available upon request for an additional fee.

How physically demanding are these trips?
For the best experience, travelers must be reasonably fit and capable of standing, walking, or hiking for extended periods of time over terrain that is at times rocky or uneven. Daily walking is involved, as is extended standing during tours and outdoor excursions. Travelers must be comfortable with and prepared to encounter staircases without handrails and a lack of available elevators.

Participants may opt out of any single activity without missing the rest of the trip. Accessibility accommodations can be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Foundation to discuss your needs.

• Flagstaff: The city sits at roughly 7,000 feet elevation, so guests should plan to acclimate before strenuous activity.
• Iceland: This trip’s itinerary will offer physically active excursions involving motor vehicles and cold-weather outdoor activities.

What will the weather be like during each trip?

• Flagstaff: April days in Flagstaff can be warm with strong sun, while evenings turn noticeably cool. Layers are recommended.
• Iceland: November marks the beginning of winter in Iceland, with daytime temperatures in the mid-30s to low-40s Fahrenheit and nighttime lows near freezing. Snow, rain, and strong winds are all possible, so warm, waterproof layers are essential.

What is included/excluded from the cost of the trips?
What is included in the cost of each of our 2027 trips varies, but travelers on both trips are responsible for their own airfare, travel insurance, and personal expenses. Additional fees may apply. A complete breakdown of what is included and not included can be found at obs.la/flagstaff for Flagstaff and obs.la/iceland for Iceland.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for both trips. It is not included in the trip cost for either trip.

Can I extend my trip before or after the group dates?

• Flagstaff: Please contact Griffith Observatory Foundation directly for guidance.
• Iceland: Guests interested in arriving early or extending their stay should reach out directly to Royal Adventures, which offers pre-night arrangements for travelers wanting extra time to adjust before the group program begins.