Utah State Parks Spring Celebrations – 2022

Spring is here, the sun is shining, and it’s time to get back to our favorite outdoor fun! Join us around the state as we celebrate the return of sunshine, camping, and good, old-fashioned recreation.

From sunset hikes to star parties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And, if you keep your eyes peeled, you might just see a certain bunny hiding eggs . . .

Additional events may be added. Check back periodically for updates!

Dark Sky Week

Antelope Island State Park
April 22 – 30, 2022

We’re joining the International Dark-Sky Association, other Dark Sky Parks, Places, and Communities to celebrate the night sky all week long!

Friday, April 22
Join the Antelope Island Park Naturalist for an easy, approximately 2-mile round trip evening hike to experience and learn about the island’s nocturnal environment.  Meet at the White Rock Bay / Backcountry Trailhead at 8:30 pm.   This is a family and leashed dog-friendly hike. 

Saturday, April 23
Join Assistant Park Manager, Wendy Wilson at 6:00 pm for a tour of your night sky using our favorite star mapping tool: Stellarium.  This is a virtual event that will be recorded and available afterward.  A link to the event will be shared here.

Friday, April 29
Ryan Andreasen, creator of Night Sky Science will be hosting his Introduction to Astrophotography class at the Antelope Island Visitor Center beginning at 8:00 pm.  There is no fee for this program but registration is required.  Please email tackley@utah.gov with the number in your party to register.

Saturday, April 30
Join Assistant Park Manager, Wendy Wilson for a good old-fashioned Star Hop!  Meet at the Visitor Center at 9:00 pm for an in-person tour of the night sky.

These events are free, but regular park entry fees apply to in-person events.  Details on other programs throughout the week are TBD.   Check here often for updates! Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.

Artisan’s Day

Camp Floyd State Park Museum
April 30, 2022

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at woodworking? Join us for Camp Floyd State Park’s Artisan Day and learn from the artisans as they demonstrate their skills from 10:00 – 4:00 PM. Museum entrance fees of $5 per person or $15 per family (immediate family only) apply. Food will be available to purchase at the event. For more information please call (801) 768-8932 or email campfloyd@utah.gov.

Eggstravaganza

East Canyon State Park
April 16, 2022, 3:00 PM

Join the East Canyon State Park staff for our annual East Canyon Egg Hunt. Thousands of eggs will be in place for children. $25.00 per car day use fee will apply. For more information, call 801-829-6866

Únase al personal de East Canyon State Park para nuestra búsqueda anual de huevos de East Canyon. Miles de huevos estarán en el lugar para los niños. Se aplicará la tarifa de uso diario de $25.00 por automóvil. Para obtener más información, llame al 801-829-686

Dark Sky Week Celebration

East Canyon State Park
April 23, 2022, 3:00 – 11:00 PM

Kick-off International Dark Sky Week at East Canyon State Park! We are welcoming our friends from the University of Utah’s South Physics Observatory to co-host this fun-filled day of activities for the whole family! 

3:00 PM – Solar Viewing: Safely gaze at our Sun through special solar telescopes while you learn all about the wonderful star that keeps us alive! 

5:00 PM – Telescope Workshop: Interested in buying your own telescope or learning how to use one? Then our Telescope Workshop is for you! 

8:00 PM – Dark Sky Program: Did you know that over 2/3rds of the world’s population cannot see the Milky Way from where they live? Attend our Dark Sky Program to discover what light pollution is and how you can mitigate it. 

8:30 PM – Astrophotography Workshop: Have you ever wanted to learn to take stunning night sky and Milky Way photos… even with your phone? Attend our astrophotography course to learn how! 

9:00 PM – Star Party: As darkness falls, enjoy the beautiful dark skies at this International Dark Sky Park! View galaxies, planets, nebulae, and other celestial objects at our star party! 

These events are weather-dependent. Please keep an eye on our main Facebook page for weather-related updates. Park entrance fee applies. Call the park office for more information, at (801) 829-6866.

Youth Fishing Tournament 

East Canyon State Park
April 30, 2022, 8:00 AM

East Canyon State Park and the Utah Division of Wildlife have partnered to host the 4th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament on Saturday, April 30, 2022. This youth trout tournament is for ages 5-17. We aim to provide an avenue for youth to showcase their abilities and to accommodate all skill levels. Even if your kids have never fished before, everyone is welcome to participate!  

Register Here

Spring Festival & Egg Hunt

Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
April 16, 2022, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Centennial Park & Cabin Area

The egg hunt welcomes kids up to the age of 12 years to participate. The hunt starts at 1 pm with designated areas for different age groups. Come and enjoy some spring activities in our beautiful Centennial Park and Cabin!

Dark Sky Program

Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
April 22, 2022, 8:00 PM
Museum Parking Lot

April is Dark Sky Month in the state of Utah! Come and see a program provided by Shelby and learn about some amazing Dark Sky facts. Telescopes will be set up to use and enjoy our night sky.

Moonrise to Sunset Hike

Snow Canyon State Park
April 15, 2022, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Dusk holds more to discover than the last rays of sunshine. This slim moment between night and day is the rush hour of the desert. Witness the sunset as the moon rises on this 1.5-mile hike. Space is limited; registration is required. 

Wildflower Walk

Snow Canyon State Park
April 22, 2022, 9:00 – 10:30 AM

Celebrate Earth day by discovering the color of spring and learning about some of the different wildflowers of the desert. Space is limited; registration is required. 

Scorpion Hike

Snow Canyon State Park
April 30, 2022, 8:30 – 10:00 PM

Join the Park Naturalist to find the hidden world of one of our more notorious nocturnal residents. Debunk some myths, and get to know your friendly neighborhood arachnids. Space is limited; registration is required.

Egg Scramble

Utah Lake State Park
April 16, 2022, Siren goes off at 10:00 AM!

Get ready for the Utah Lake Egg Scramble! Join us on Saturday, April 16th to chase down some eggs left by the Bunny. This event is open to children 12 and younger. The lawn will be divided into age groups so your kiddo will have a great chance to grab some eggs with fun treats and surprises. Entrance to Utah Lake State Park will be free for participants during the event–just let our gate staff know that you’re coming for the Scramble. Get here a little early, you’ll want to be ready when the siren goes off at 10 AM!

Rules:

1. Scramblers are not allowed onto the lawn until the area is opened by park staff.
2. When the lawn area is opened, Scramblers must stay along the fence until the siren goes off. When the siren goes off, Scramblers may collect as many eggs as they can until they are all claimed. Please be considerate of other Scramblers.
3. No parents are allowed in the Scramble area. Parents may stand inside the fence line to watch. Scramblers in the toddler area may have one Parent help them navigate. Parents may not touch any of the eggs.
4. Some eggs will have coupons inside to be exchanged for prizes that don’t fit in an egg.
5. Utah Lake State Park will not be providing baskets or bags to hold your eggs, so make sure to bring your own!

8th-Annual Rotten Egg Hunt

Yuba State Park
April 23, 2022, 11:00 AM

Late Easter egg hunt!  End Easter with a bang, as you participate in the very last egg hunt of the season.  Bring your family and friends and run through the park collecting as many goodies and prizes as you can.  Park entrance fees apply.  The egg hunt this year will be located on the North Beach under the trees!  Starts at 11:00 AM sharp! You just need a day-use pass, camping pass, or annual pass to participate!