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Utah is serious about the stars.
Key Points
- Utah has the highest concentration of International Dark Sky Places—designated by the nonprofit DarkSky International—in the world.
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and hidden gems like Goblin Valley State Park are great places to stargaze.
- Plan your visit around a new moon, when there will be less light in the night sky.
Due to light pollution, dark skies are becoming increasingly hard to find throughout the U.S., but some destinations are working to preserve their starry nights. Utah, a state known for its natural wonders, has the highest concentration of International Dark Sky Places in the world.
DarkSky International is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting communities from light pollution. Of the 31 places recognized by the organization across the Beehive State, we have a few favorites—plus some advice for making the most of your visit. Keep in mind that skies will generally be darkest and the stars more visible on the night of the new moon or in the days leading up to it. If the new moon doesn’t align with your trip, plan to stargaze before the moon rises or just after the moon sets.
Here are the coolest places to stargaze in Utah.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its otherworldly landscape of vibrant red rock hoodoos—tall spires of rock sculpted by millions of years of erosion. In addition to having the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world, Bryce Canyon is a renowned Dark Sky Park with a coveted “Gold Tier” status, which means it has some of the darkest skies possible.
The best way to enjoy Bryce Canyon's stars is to join the ranger-led "Night Sky Telescope Program," which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park also hosts an Astronomy Festival every June, one of the best months to see the Milky Way at Bryce Canyon (June through August).
Moab
Moab is not only a Dark Sky community, but also the gateway to two Dark Sky-certified national parks as well as a state park, making the city a top destination for stargazers. Plus, it's a place that draws outdoor enthusiasts, who come to climb and bike the surrounding red rock canyons and boat down the Colorado River.
From Moab, it's less than a 10-minute drive to Arches National Park and typically a little over 30 minutes to both Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park—all of which are Dark Sky Places.
Antelope Island State Park
This island and state park is located within the Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere. The size of the island fluctuates based on water levels, which are deepest in the spring and early summer due to snow melt.
The best place to catch the state park’s renowned dark skies is on the western half of the island, which is shielded from the lights of the Salt Lake City metro and relatively undisturbed by artificial light. The island’s primitive campsites are a great way to enjoy the unpolluted dark skies in a serene atmosphere.
Zion National Park
Zion National Park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and lush river valleys. Popular spots like Angels Landing and The Narrows offer unforgettable hiking, especially at sunset when the cliffs glow orange in the light of the setting sun. But there's plenty to see after the sun sets. Popular stargazing spots in the park include the Pa’rus Trail in Zion Canyon, the Wildcat Canyon and Left Fork Trailheads off Kolob Terrace Road, and the Timber Creek Parking Lot in the Kolob Canyons area.
Goblin Valley State Park
Like Bryce Canyon, Goblin Valley State Park is a certified Dark Sky Place home to thousands of hoodoos, but it's often overlooked. That means visitors can enjoy the otherworldly topography and clear night skies with fewer crowds. And trust us, there’s something very cool about seeing a hoodoo (or "goblin") surrounded by sparkling stars.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
