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
June 21
OAS Public Star Party
Join volunteers from Ogden Astronomical Society for an evening of gazing into the cosmos. Starting at 6:00 we’ll begin by viewing our star, the sun; safely through filtered telescopes. Once the sun sets, equipment will be switched out for dark sky viewing of planets, nebulae, star clusters, and even far-away galaxies. Telescopes will be provided. 7:00PM White Rock Bay Event Area.
Dead Horse Point State Park
June 11, 2025
Full Moon Hike
Join a ranger for a one-mile hike by the light of the full moon. The hike will start in front of the visitor center. 9:30 PM.
June 13, 2025
Star Light Hike
Under the light of the stars, take a peaceful walk with a park ranger. Meet in front of the visitor center. 9:30 p.m.
June 21, 2025
Astrofest: Astronomy Festival
Take part in this region-wide celebration in a weekend packed full of activities! Learn more here
June 25, 2025
Scorpion Hunt
How many scorpions can you find in the desert? Come grab a UV light and find out! Meet at the Mountain Bike Parking Lot. 8:00 PM.
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
June 11, 2025
Full Moon Hike
As the full moon begins to rise, join one of our rangers on a hike in the canyon. While we hike we will also learn more about the nocturnal creatures and what role the full moon plays in their lives. The hike is on a rock and dirt path so please wear appropriate footwear. We will meet at the Max Reid Trailhead at 9:30pm.
June 27, 2025
Stars and Scorpions
Enjoy a short presentation by a ranger on scorpions and the Dark Sky efforts here in the park. After the presentation you can grab a UV light and go out and look for the scorpions that are here in the canyon. We will also have stargazing and telescopes set up for some deep space viewing. Meet at the outdoor activity center at the Museum. The program will start at 9pm.
Goblin Valley State Park
June 11, 2025
Strawberry Full Moon Hike
Join a ranger and hike through the hoodoos under the full moon while learning about the park’s natural history. Meet at the Observation Point. 9:30 PM
June 27, 2025
Star Party!
Join rangers at the Observation Point to learn about the constellations and stars and view space objects through park telescopes. 9:30PM
Jordanelle State Park
June 11, 2025
Full Moon Hike
Come enjoy the full moon and a guided hike along Jordanelle Reservoir with Wasatch Mountain Institute. Park at the boat ramp at Rock Cliff Recreation Area. 8-10 PM.
Rockport State Park
June 21, 2025
Star Party
Come join us for a Star Party hosted by University of Utah Physics and Astronomy. Highland Day Use Area, 9:00 PM.
Sand Hollow State Park
June 19, 2025
Scorpion Hunt
Join a Park Ranger for a nighttime adventure among glowing arachnids. Enjoy a 1/2 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. 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
June 28, 2025
Scorpion Hunt
Join a Park Ranger for a nighttime adventure among glowing arachnids. Enjoy a 1/2 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. 9:30 PM – 10:30 PM.