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
June 20 – 8:30 pm
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.
Bear Lake State Park
Star Party
June 19 – 10 pm – 12 am
Join a Park Ranger for a Star Party! This event will take place at Rendezvous Beach
Dead Horse Point State Park
Stargazing: Dark Skies Over Dead Horse Point
June 12 – 9:30pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Ranger presentation, no telescope.
Immerse yourself in the dark skies over Dead Horse Point! Naked-eye stargazing only! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light!
Constellation Quest
June 13 – 9:30pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Telescope viewing.
Explore the constellations of the Zodiac with the aid of a telescope. Bring an outdoor blanket and a red light!
Stargazing: Dark Skies Over Dead Horse Point
June 19 – 9:30pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Ranger presentation, no telescope.
Immerse yourself in the dark skies over Dead Horse Point! Naked-eye stargazing only! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light!
Scorpion Search
June 20 – 9:00pm
Meet at the Mountain Bike Lot. Easy 1.5 mile hike.
Search for the glow of a scorpion with a UV flashlight! Bring a UV / black light!
Stargazing: Dark Skies Over Dead Horse Point
June 26 – 9:30pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Ranger presentation, no telescope.
Immerse yourself in the dark skies over Dead Horse Point! Naked-eye stargazing only! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light!
Luna in the Lens: Strawberry Moon
June 27 – 9:30pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Telescope moon viewing.
Discover the wonders of lunar geography through the lens of a telescope! Bring a red light!
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley Dark Sky Junior Ranger Day
June 13, – 8:45 PM
Participants can attend both parts of the program and gain a Goblin Valley Junior Ranger badge! Schedule:
8:45pm: Fun astronomy crafts at the Observation Point!
9:45pm: Stars and Constellations! Join rangers to learn about the stars, the constellations and mythology associated with them. We will view various space objects with the telescopes afterwards.
Star Party!
June 20 – 9:45PM, Observation Point
Join rangers to learn about stars and how they form and tour the constellations! We will view various sky objects through telescopes after the program.
Bats of Goblin Valley Campfire Program!
June 27 – 9:30PM, Amphitheater
Join rangers to learn about the amazing critters of the night sky. The program will be followed by a campfire and s’mores.
Full Moon Hike,
June 29 – 9:45PM, Observation Point
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.
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
Scorpion Quest
June 18th — 9:30 pm
Join our quest to find as many scorpions we can in our scorpion quest. We will have a short ranger-led program where you can learn about scorpions, how they live, what makes them glow, and much more. After the program we will drive out to our questing grounds. UV lights will be provided but you can bring your own if you have them. The evening begins at our new outdoor amphitheater at 9:30pm.
Great Salt Lake State Park
Full Moon Walk
June 29 — 9:15 pm
Join a park ranger for an evening stroll across the expanse of Silver Sands Beach. The walk will begin after sunset, and we will watch as the moon rises and casts its reflection over the Great Salt Lake. The event tour is $3 per person + the $10 (per vehicle) to enter the park. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash.
Meet at the Observation Deck just past the Visitor’s Center. The walk will mostly consist of approximately 1/2 mile along relatively flat terrain with typical beach hazards (uneven, unstable sand, changing conditions, etc). Strollers have difficulty in the sand. Meet at the Observation Deck just past the Visitor Center at 9:20 PM. Please be prompt as the park gates close at 9:35 PM.
Red Fleet State Park
Full Moon Paddle
June 28th – 8 PM
Join us for a ranger-led moonlit paddle. Call to signup 435-789-4432
Full Moonrise Watch
June 29th – 8:45 PM
Let’s gather and watch the moonrise! Where: Day-use: 2nd Left
Rockport State Park
Star Party
June 20 — 10 PM
Come enjoy the night sky with us at Rockport State Park! Bring a blanket, warm layers, and get ready for an incredible night under the stars. We hope to see you there!
Location: Highland Day Use – Upper Parking Lot
Sand Hollow State Park
Scorpion Hunt
June 16 — 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Join a Park Ranger for a nighttime adventure among glowing arachnids. Enjoy a 1/4 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
June 29 —9:15 pm – 10:30 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. You must register for this event ahead of time.
Events
Steinaker State Park
Jupiter-Venus Conjunction Watch
June 9th – 9 PM
Join us to watch the Jupiter-Venus Conjunction. Day-use/Overflow Parking: 1st Right
America250 Lunar Exploration
June 19th – 8:30 PM
Join us for a star party. Boat Parking lot.
Bootid Meteor Watch
June 26th – 9 PM
Join us to watch the Bootid Meteor Shower. Day-use/ Overflow Parking: 1st Right.