Events

December

Star Party: The Big Dipper’s Polar Plunge!
Saturday, December 6th at 5:30pm

You may know the Big Dipper, but did you know that at around this time every year, from our perspective here in Utah, this beloved asterism plunges toward the northern horizon? Find out why as we explore the myths and science behind the Big Dipper! Join us for Star Party Saturdays throughout the winter, with a unique theme every week! The theme of December 6th will be “The Big Dipper’s Polar Plunge!” Meet at the Mountain Bike Lot at 5:30pm!

Star Party: The Geminid Meteor Shower
Saturday, December 13th at 5:30pm

What is a meteor shower? These mysterious events occur with regularity, but certain aspects remain difficult to predict! During the peak of December’s Geminid Meteor Shower, learn all about meteors, planets, moons, and other objects in our solar system! Join us for Star Party Saturdays throughout the winter, with a unique theme every week! The theme of December 13th will be “The Geminid Meteor Shower!” Meet at the Mountain Bike Lot at 5:30pm!

Star Party: Stars of Wonder
Wednesday, December 24th at 5:30pm

Join us for a special Star Party this Christmas Eve, at the Dead Horse Point State Park Visitor Center! Hot chocolate will be available for purchase from 5:00pm to 5:30pm. We’ll be using our telescope to explore some of the most magnificent stars in the Milky Way Galaxy, from binary stars to giant stars to star clusters and star remnants. This star party will be held in the Visitor Center parking lot, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm!

Star Party: Seasons in the Sky
Saturday, December 27th at 5:30pm

Throughout human history, the stars have served as our collective calendar, chronicling the passage of time. The stories their constellations tell are among the oldest seasonal tales. Learn these stories as we explore the winter sky and begin to ring in the new year! Join us for Star Party Saturdays throughout the winter, with a unique theme every week! The theme of December 27th will be “Seasons in the Sky!” Meet at the Mountain Bike Lot at 5:30pm!

First Day Hike: Bighorn Trail
Thursday, January 1st at 9:00am

Do your New Year Resolutions include staying in shape, spending more time in nature, exploring new places, or making new friends? Join a Park Ranger at Dead Horse Point State Park for a First Day Hike out to one of our favorite overlooks in the park at the end of the Bighorn Trail! We’ll meet at the Visitor Center at 9:00am! As park operations will be limited on this holiday, the leading ranger will check receipts for proper admission fee self-payments, or facilitate alternative payment methods at the Visitor Center from 8:30am to the program start time. This hike will be approximately 3 miles in total, crossing rough, uneven, and potentially slick terrain. Please dress appropriately!