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
May 31
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. 6:00PM White Rock Bay Event Area
Dead Horse Point State Park
May 8, 2025
Scorpion Hunt
With a UV light as your weapon come hunt down some of our favorite nocturnal creatures in the park. The hunt will take place out at the Mountain Bike Parking Lot at 9:15pm. You will be walking on a dirt and rock trail so please wear closed toe shoes.
May 13, 2025
Full Moon Hike
With the full moon lighting your path, join a ranger as they hike out to the Desert View Overlook. The hike will be a mile long on a dirt and rock path so please wear appropriate footwear. Meet outside of the Visitor Center at 9pm.
May 18, 2025
Scorpion Hunt
Join one of our rangers as we use our trusty UV lights to find some of our smaller nocturnal creatures in the park. The hunt will start at the Mountain Bike Parking Lot at 9:30pm. We will be walking on a dirt and rock path so please wear closed toe shoes.
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
May 23, 2025
Stars & Scorpions, Museum Outdoor Activity Center, 8:45pm
They’re back! Yep, that is right, this will be our first Stars & Scorpions program of the year! This one is always busy, so arrive early to get a seat and a blacklight! Enjoy a short presentation by the ranger on scorpions and Dark Sky efforts. Afterwards, we’ll set up a telescope and some naked-eye star gazing, as well as take you outside of the park to spot scorpions with blacklights. Reservation not needed. *Day-Use fee ($10/vehicle; or your Annual Park Pass) is required and can be paid by card/cash at the time of arrival.
Goblin Valley State Park
May 12, 2025
Full Moon Hike- Geology!
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. 9:00PM
May 31, 2025
Goblin Astronomy Fest!
Join us at the Observation Point for a tour of constellations, stars and deep space objects through multiple telescopes! 9:30PM
Sand Hollow State Park
May 17, 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 PM – 10 PM.
Snow Canyon State Park
May 17, 2025
Bats of Snow Canyon
Bring a headlamp and hike with a ranger to bust some myths and learn about these wonderful animals! 6:00pm-8:00pm. *Registration required*
May 24, 2025
Stellar Star Party
Upper Galoot Picnic Area. 8:30pm-10:00pm. Bring a blanket and chair to join us in exploring what’s up in the night sky!
Snow Canyon State Park
May 31, 2025
Scorpion Safari
Are you scared of scorpions? You won’t be after this program! Come bust some myths and ease your fear of these critters. 8:30pm-10:00pm. *Registration required*