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.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Beaver Moon Hike
November 5, 2025 – 5:30 PM
November’s moon is known as the Beaver Moon! Join a park ranger and learn about how beavers built Utah and the Wild West in an educational full moon hike on Wednesday, November 5th at 5:30pm! Bring a red light and meet in front of the Visitor Center!
Star Party: Music of the Heavens
November 8, 2025 – 5:30 PM
Explore the constellation Lyra, associated with the legendary musician Orpheus as we listen to the sounds of space and tune our ears to the music of the universe. Join us for Star Party Saturdays throughout the winter, with a unique theme every week! The theme of November 8th will be “Music of the Heavens!” Meet at the Mountain Bike Lot at 5:30pm!
Star Party: Celestial Sandbox
November 15, 2025 – 5:30 PM
When you look up at the stars, what shapes do you see? The night sky is one of the oldest playgrounds for human imagination. Share your interpretation of the heavens, then get up close with the stars of your choosing with a telescope! Join us for Star Party Saturdays throughout the winter, with a unique theme every week! The theme of November 15th will be “Celestial Sandbox!” Meet at the Mountain Bike Lot at 5:30pm!
Star Party: Fairest of Them All
November 22, 2025 – 5:30 PM
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all? The Heavens tell of one so fair her beauty stirred up the jealousy of the gods themselves. Today, she gives her name to an entire galaxy, visible to the naked eye, and enhanced by a telescope! Join us for Star Party Saturdays throughout the winter, with a unique theme every week! The theme of November 22nd will be “Fairest of Them All!” Meet at the Mountain Bike Lot at 5:30pm!
Star Party: Riders in the Sky
November 29, 2025 – 5:30 PM
Did you know that from our perspective here on earth, all of the heavens appear to follow a set path throughout the sky? Learn about the various kinds of riders in the sky and how their motions influence and inspire us here below. Join us for Star Party Saturdays throughout the winter, with a unique theme every week! The theme of November 29th will be “Fairest of Them All!” Meet at the Mountain Bike Lot at 5:30pm!
Goblin Valley State Park
Full moon Hike
November 5, 2025 – 5 PM
Join a ranger for a short hike in the Valley of the Goblins to learn about the moon and park wildlife. 5:00PM at the Observation Point
Constellations and Mythology!
November 15, 2025 – 6:30 PM
Join rangers at the amphitheater near the campground to tour the visible constellations, learn fun mythology and learn about the stars and planets! 6:30PM
Star Party Finale!
November 21, 2025 – 6:30 PM
Join rangers for our last telescope program of the year! Learn basic astronomy, tour the constellations and learn the importance of dark skies, followed by telescope viewing. 6:30PM at the Observation Point.
Sand Hollow State Park
*Full Moon Paddle Tour
November 6, 2025 – 5:45-7 PM
Sand Hollow is the best place to enjoy a moonlit paddle. This is a registered event. Join the Park Ranger for a chat about the full moon and water safety before paddling. Kayaks will NOT be provided. The paddle will begin at the dive park dock, go in and around the island and back to the dive park dock.
Register for the Full Moon Paddle Tour here!
Stars Among the Sands
November 15, 2025 – 6:30-7:30PM
Join a Park Ranger for an evening on the beach looking up at the stars. Bring blankets or chairs to truly enjoy the program. Learn about the stars, constellations, and possibly get a deeper look into deep space. This program will be held on the south beach.
Snow Canyon State Park
Stellar Star Party
November 22, 2025 – 6:30 PM
Upper Galoot Picnic Area. 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Bundle up with a blanket and chair to join us in exploring the night sky!
Utahraptor State Park
Full Moon Hike
November 5, 2025 – 5 PM
Join a ranger for a Full Moon Hike to admire the Beaver Supermoon.
New Moon Star Party
November 20, 2025 -6:30 PM
Join us for a presentation on our night sky and a telescope viewing! Meet at the Historic Site, located at: (38.711910, -109.700358)