Dark Sky Events & Programs
Utah State Parks have some of the darkest night skies in North America. An ever-increasing number of our visitors appreciate and seek out the pristine night skies and after-dark programming we offer. Our parks employees want to responsibly manage and enhance this resource.
To keep you all engaged, check out the dark sky programs below!
State Parks Dark Sky Activities & Events
Weather can affect planned events. Please check with the state park directly for more information.
Antelope Island State Park
Public Star Party
May 9, 2026 – 6:00pm
Join members of Ogden Astronomical Society in White Rock Bay for an evening of stargazing with telescopes. We’ll start the evening by looking at our star, the sun, through solar-filtered telescopes. After dark, volunteers will switch to equipment to view distant planets and other deep-space objects.
There is no fee for this activity – regular park entry fees apply. Answers to common questions can be found at OAS’s website. You’re welcome to contact dpittz@utah.gov with any questions as well.
Park Impacts: Altered traffic flow, please follow signs for PUBLIC STAR PARTY.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Luna in the Lens: The Flower Moon
May 1, 2026 – 9:00pm
Discover the wonders of lunar geography through the lens of a telescope! Bring a red light! Meet at the Visitor Center. Telescope Viewing.
Scorpion Search
May 2, 2026 – 9:00pm
Search for the glow of a scorpion with a UV flashlight! Bring a UV / black light! Meet at the Visitor Center. Easy 1.5 Mile Hike.
Constellation Quest: The Lion of the Desert Sky
May 9, 2026 – 9:30pm
Explore the Arabian mythology of the constellation Leo with the aid of a telescope! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light! Meet at the Visitor Center. Telescope Viewing.
Constellation Quest: Springtime Starscapes
May 15, 2026 –9:30pm
Explore the Roman mythology of the constellation Virgo with the aid of a telescope! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light! Meet at the Visitor Center. Telescope Viewing.
Stargazing: Dark Skies over Dead Horse Point
May 22, 2026 –9:30pm
Immerse yourself in the dark skies over Dead Horse Point! Naked-eye stargazing only! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light! Meet at the Visitor Center. Ranger Presentation.
Constellation Quest: The Trials of Heracles
May 23, 2026 – 9:30pm
Explore the Greek mythology of the constellation Hercules with the aid of a telescope! Bring an outdoor blanket and a red light! Meet at the Mountain Bike Lot. Telescope Viewing.
Stargazing: Dark Skies over Dead Horse Point
May 29, 2026 –9:30pm
Immerse yourself in the dark skies over Dead Horse Point! Naked-eye stargazing only! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light! Meet at the Visitor Center. Ranger Presentation.
Luna in the Lens: Blue Moon
May 30, 2026 – 9:30pm
Discover the wonders of lunar geography through the lens of a telescope! Bring a red light! Meet at the Point Shelter. Telescope Viewing.
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
May 1st
Full Moon Hike – 8:45 pm
Join us for the first Full Moon Hike of May! We will walk the trail under the light of the full moon and talk about the different nocturnal life in the park. The hike is a little over a half mile long and is on a rock and dirt trail. Good hiking shoes and red lights are recommended. Meet in front of the museum at 8:45pm.
Goblin Valley State Park
Full Moon Hike
May 1, 2026 – 8:30 PM
Join rangers for a short hike through the hoodoos under the light of the full moon! You will learn about the moon, nocturnal wildlife and other park information. Meet at Observation Point.
Goblin Valley Astronomy Festival!
May 16, 2026 – 1-9:30 PM
We will have programs all day long for this special day!
Schedule:
1-4pm: fun astronomy crafts at the park visitor center.
6-8pm: dark sky table at the Observation Point. Learn about light pollution, the importance of protecting dark skies and nocturnal wildlife.
9:30pm: Dark Skies and Constellations! Join rangers from multiple state parks to learn about the importance of dark skies and tour the constellations. We will have multiple telescopes available to view space objects.
Scorpion Quest- Night Vision Mission!
May 23, 2026 – 9:30PM
Join rangers to learn about these amazing critters and then hike with blacklights to see them glow! Meet at Amphitheater.
Venomous Critters of Goblin Valley
May 30, 2026 – 8:30PM
Join rangers to learn about the creepy critters that call the park home! After the program we will search for scorpions with black lights. Meet at Amphitheater.
Full Moon Hike
May 31, 2026 – 9:45 PM
Join rangers for a short hike through the hoodoos under the light of the full moon! You will learn about the moon, nocturnal wildlife and other park information. Meet at Observation Point.
Huntington State Park
Stargazing Night Event
May 9, 2026 – 8:00 PM
Join the Local Star Geezers! Come spend an unforgettable evening under the stars and learn about astronomy in a fun, hands-on way! Look through multiple telescopes and explore the night sky. Learn tips and tricks for taking amazing photos with your smartphone and discover constellations, planets, and more. Don’t miss this chance to experience the beauty of the night sky!
Sand Hollow State Park
Full Moon Paddle Tour
May 1 — 8:30-9:45 PM
Sand Hollow is the best place to enjoy a moonlit paddle. Join the Park Ranger for a chat about the full moon before paddling around our island. Kayaks will NOT be provided.
Scorpion Hunt
May 9 — 8:30-10:30 PM
Join a Park Ranger for a nighttime adventure among glowing arachnids. Enjoy a ¼ mile loop walk starting at our OHV staging area. Please wear closed toed shoes, bring your own UV flashlights if you have them, and be ready to be amazed.
Scorpion Hunt
May 14 — 8:30-10:30 PM
Join a Park Ranger for a nighttime adventure among glowing arachnids. Enjoy a ¼ mile loop walk starting at our OHV staging area. Please wear closed toed shoes, bring your own UV flashlights if you have them, and be ready to be amazed.
Full Moon Paddle Tour
May 30 — 8:45-10 PM
Sand Hollow is the best place to enjoy a moonlit paddle. Join the Park Ranger for a chat about the full moon before paddling around our island. Kayaks will be available for rentals; while supplies last!
Utahraptor State Park
Full Moon Talk and Telescope Viewing
May 1, 2026 — 9 – 10 PM
Join Park Rangers for a short program about the moon, followed by a telescope viewing. Where: Utahraptor State Park at Historic Site (38.711910, -109.700358)
Scorpion Search
May 15, 2026 — 9 – 10 PM
Scorpions glow under UV light! Join Park Rangers for a nighttime 0.5-mile walk searching for these glowing creatures! Where: Utahraptor State Park at Historic Site (38.711910, -109.700358)