By Anita Jain Shah | March 15, 2024

Embark on an otherworldly journey through Utah’s celestial wonders with our comprehensive guide to stargazing in the state’s 24 remarkable dark sky locations. Nestled within the heart of The Great Western Starry Way, Utah boasts the highest concentration of international dark sky parks and communities in the world, spanning from New Mexico to Montana.

Stargazing, a mesmerising blend of tranquility and cosmic revelation, offers a profound connection to nature and the vast expanse of the universe. With the International Dark Sky Association leading the charge against light pollution, Utah stands as a beacon of preservation, with 24 certified locations including parks, communities, and protected areas, dedicated to safeguarding the pristine darkness for present and future generations.

Utah’s landscapes offer some of the most pristine and captivating dark skies globally, inviting enthusiasts of all ages to marvel at the billions of stars adorning the Milky Way.

Here’s a glimpse into some of the most extraordinary stargazing sites in Utah:

Southeastern Utah:

1. Arches National Park: As daylight fades, Arches National Park transforms into a mesmerising realm of towering sandstone formations, offering a backdrop for countless stars against the velvety night sky.
2. Canyonlands National Park: Delve into the depths of Canyonlands, where rugged canyons and majestic cliffs give way to unparalleled stargazing opportunities, with the possibility of spotting Saturn’s rings under optimal conditions.
3. Dead Horse Point State Park: Perched on a high plateau, Dead Horse Point State Park offers panoramic views of Utah’s canyon country by day and a celestial spectacle by night, earning its status as an International Dark Sky Park.
4. Goblin Valley State Park: Step into a surreal landscape reminiscent of another world at Goblin Valley State Park, where sandstone goblins under the cover of darkness create an otherworldly ambiance ideal for stargazing.
5. Goosenecks State Park: Marvel at the intricate meanders of the San Juan River from the vantage point of Goosenecks State Park, where the night sky rivals the park’s geological wonders.
6. Hovenweep National Monument: Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Ancestral Puebloans at Hovenweep, where ancient ruins blend with the celestial panorama, offering a unique perspective on history and the cosmos.
7. Natural Bridges National Monument: Venture to one of the world’s first International Dark Sky Parks at Natural Bridges, where remote location rewards visitors with unparalleled views of the star-studded heavens.
8. Rainbow Bridge National Monument: Explore the sacred symbol of Navajo culture under the vast desert sky at Rainbow Bridge, the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the National Park Service.

Southwestern Utah:

1. Bryce Canyon National Park: Wander through a forest of red rock hoodoos as mule deer graze under the vast expanse of stars, making Bryce Canyon a haven for celestial enthusiasts.
2. Capitol Reef National Park: Discover the solitude and serenity of Capitol Reef, where ancient rock formations bear witness to the passage of time beneath a canopy of stars.
3. Cedar Breaks National Monument: Ascend to the heights of Cedar Breaks for a celestial spectacle above the clouds, where pristine air and high altitude create an ideal environment for stargazing.
4. Fremont Indian State Park: Journey into the past at Fremont Indian State Park, where ancient petroglyphs come to life under the pristine darkness of the night sky.
5. Kodachrome Basin State Park: Indulge in the vibrant hues of Kodachrome Basin by day and the shimmering tapestry of stars by night, a testament to the park’s remote location and pristine skies.
6. Zion National Park: Experience the newest addition to Utah’s dark sky parks at Zion, where the absence of artificial light illuminates the natural wonders of the park under a blanket of stars.

Northern Utah:

1. Antelope Island State Park: Traverse the causeway to Antelope Island, where free-roaming bison and antelope roam beneath a celestial dome teeming with stars.
2. Dinosaur National Monument: Delve into Utah’s prehistoric past at Dinosaur National Monument, where fossil treasures are unveiled beneath the timeless canvas of the night sky.
3. East Canyon State Park: Journey into a land of contrasts at East Canyon, where rugged landscapes give way to pristine night skies, providing a tranquil retreat from urban life.
4. Jordanelle State Park: Escape to the tranquil darkness of Jordanelle, where the surrounding mountains shield visitors from the glow of city lights, offering a prime location for stargazing.
5. North Fork Park: Discover the timeless beauty of the Milky Way at North Fork, where centuries-old traditions of stargazing continue against the backdrop of Utah’s stunning landscapes.
6. Rockport State Park: Immerse yourself in the pristine darkness of Rockport, where the surrounding mountains create a protective barrier against light pollution, ensuring an unparalleled stargazing experience.
7. Steinaker State Park: Journey to the remote reaches of Steinaker, where the vibrant Milky Way takes center stage against a backdrop of natural splendor.
8. Timpanogos Cave National Monument: Explore the depths of Timpanogos Cave and emerge into the night sky, where the first Urban Night Sky Place beckons visitors to marvel at the celestial wonders above.

Dark Sky Communities: