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
April 11, 2026 – 6:00 pm
Public Star Party
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.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Luna in the Lens
Wednesday, April 1st at 8:30pm
A telescope in a Dark Sky Park like Dead Horse Point is a great way to capture the majesty of the full moon in your camera’s lens! Take home a crystal-clear image of the moon’s many maria, craters, and ejecta rays, and learn all about Earth’s oldest satellite in this fun, hands-on program! Our Park Rangers will guide you through the basics of both lunar geography and digital photography and equip you with skills to share fun facts about the moon with all your friends! Luna in the Lens will be held at the Visitor Center on Wednesday, April 1st at 8:30pm. Telescopes will be available for use until 9:30pm!
Lounge & Learn: A Decade of Dark Skies
Saturday, April 4th at 3:00pm
Did you know that Dead Horse Point was the first State Park to be certified as a Dark Sky Park in the State of Utah? Earning this designation in 2016, we’re proud to be celebrating a decade of Dark Skies this year! Join us on Saturday, April 4th, at 3:00pm, for an indoor Park Ranger presentation on the history of Dark Sky certification, what it means to be a Dark Sky Park, and why we continue to be a world-class astrotourism destination! We’ll also share more information about what you can do to help defend the night sky, and guide you through Dark Sky locations and events across Utah! Meet upstairs at the Visitor Center at 3:00pm! This presentation will last about one hour.
Constellation Quest
Saturday, April 11th at 8:30pm
Come explore the night skies above an International Dark Sky Park! Learn how to identify major seasonal asterisms and discover the stories of their associated constellations with the aid of a Park Ranger. In this month’s Constellation Quest, we’ll discuss Castor and Pollux, twin protectors of horsemen and travelers, and their constellation, Gemini, in which Jupiter will be centered on this night! Throughout the evening, our telescope will be centered on the planet Jupiter, while our lasers will trace out the constellations. Our Constellation Quest will be held at the Visitor Center on Saturday, April 11th, from 8:30pm to 10:30pm.
Astro Arts
Saturday, April 18th at 10:30am
In this family fun program, learn about the stars, and take home your very own astronomy craft! This activity is open to all ages and abilities! Astro Arts will be held Saturday, April 18th, from 10:30am to 11:00am at the Dead Horse Point State Park Visitor Center! Then, after you explore the park, come show off your creations and explore the stars by night in our Star Party that same evening!
Star Party: Orion’s Retirement Party
Saturday, April 18th at 9:00pm
Stop by Dead Horse Point State Park to celebrate the annual retirement of everyone’s favorite constellation, Orion the Hunter! While Orion will remain in the sky for a few more nights, the season of his dominance is coming to a close, soon to be followed by the rise of his sworn enemy, the Scorpion! In this Ranger-led program, we’ll explore distant nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies in and around Orion as we discuss principles of astronomy, the motion of the stars, and the changing celestial landscape. Bring a telescope and a favorite deep sky object if you’d like to contribute to the festivities, a retirement card for Orion to be displayed at the Visitor Center, or just your curiosity! Orion’s Retirement (Star) Party will be held on Saturday, April 18th, from 9:00pm until 11:00pm at the Visitor Center.
Dark Desert Nature Journey
Wednesday, April 22nd at 8:30pm
Ready to explore the desert after dark? Visit Dead Horse Point State Park on Wednesday, April 22nd, at 8:30pm for a Ranger-led hike down the Desert View Trail! We’ll discuss the importance of the night for desert dwellers, how different species have used the darkness to adapt to this harsh environment, and why Dark Sky Parks like Dead Horse Point are a vital resource to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the high desert! While hiking, we’ll use a bat detector to identify species of bats present in the park. If we’re lucky, we may even come across a few other cool critters! Bring a red light, hiking shoes, and water! We’ll be hiking approximately one mile across rough, uneven desert terrain over the course of one hour. Meet at the steps of the Visitor Center!
Scorpion Spotlight
Saturday, April 25th at 8:30pm
Dead Horse Point State Park is home to several species of scorpions! Did you know that they glow under UV light? Join a Park Ranger and grab a UV flash light as we search the trail for scorpions! During our search, we’ll highlight facts about the Scorpion of the Month! This month, it’s the Sawfinger Scorpion! Do you think you can find one? Come find out! Join us at the steps of the Visitor Center on Saturday, April 25th, at 8:30pm!
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
Full Moon Hike
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 – 7 PM
Experience the magic of a starlit landscape during a guided Full Moon Hike learning more about the moon and those creatures that roam below it’s glow. Starting at 7pm, the evening hike takes you on a half mile journey starting at the Museum Activity Center. The trail is on a dirt and rock path so please plan accordingly. Attendees are also encouraged to dress in layers for dropping nighttime temperatures and to bring a red-light flashlight to preserve their night vision during the trek.
Full Moon Hike
April 1, 2026 – 8:30 PM
Experience the magic of a starlit landscape during a guided Full Moon Hike learning more about the moon and those creatures that roam below it’s glow.
Central Utah Astronomy Festival
April 18, 2026 – 11 am – 11 pm
11am – 3pm – Astronomy activities available for all ages! As well as booths and tables, photobooths, and much more.
12 – 2pm – Solar Scopes
11am – 2pm – Portable Planetarium
7pm – Key Speaker: Autumn Gillard– The Amazing Nuwuvi Universe
8:30pm – Constellation Tours
9pm – 11pm – Telescope Viewing
Goblin Valley State Park
Full Moon Hike
April 1, 2026 – 8:30PM
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.
Spring Scorpion Quest!
April 4, 2026 – 8:30PM
Join rangers to learn about these amazing critters and then hike with blacklights to see them glow! Meet at Ampitheater.
Dark Sky Week- Deep Space Exploration!
April 17, 2026 – 8:45 PM
Join rangers on a tour through the constellations, stars and deep space objects! We will then view various deep space objects such as star clusters, nebulas and galaxies through the park telescopes. Meet at Ampitheater.
Constellations: War in the Sky (Hercules mythology)
April 25, 2025 – 9 PM
Join rangers on a tour through the constellations, learning some of the mythology associated with them with a focus on the Greco-Roman hero Hercules. We will then view various deep space objects through the park telescopes. Meet at Observation Point.
Piute State Park
Central Utah Astronomy Festival
April 19, 2026 – 4 pm – 11 pm
4pm – 6:30pm – Astronomy activities for all ages, information tables/booths, and more.
4pm – 6pm – Solar Scopes
7pm – Key Speaker: Dr. Troy Allan
Reclaiming the Night: Dark Skies, Awe, and Mental Health in Rural Communities
8:30pm – Constellation Tours
9pm – 11pm – Telescope Viewing
Red Fleet State Park
Earth and Night Sky Celebration
April 11, 2026
2:00pm – 4:00pm
In the afternoon, head over to Red Fleet State Park for an Interp discussion hosted by State Parks Rangers volunteers! This event will take place at the Red Fleet Dinosaur Trackway site.
This event is part of a state park multi-park celebration. Learn more.
Sand Hollow State Park
*Full Moon Paddle Tour
April 1, 2026 – 7:45 PM – 9 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. This is a registered event. You MUST register. Visit Sand Hollow’s page for registration link closer to event date.
Snow Canyon State Park
Lunch Lecture Series: Astronomy & Dark Skies!
April 3, 2026 – 1 PM – 2 PM
This event will take place at the Upper Galoot Picnic Area. Bring your lunch and learn from a ranger!
Lunch Lecture Series: Astronomy & Dark Skies!
April 10, 2026 – 1 PM – 2 PM
This event will take place at the Upper Galoot Picnic Area. Bring your lunch and learn from a ranger!
Scorpion Safari
April 11, 2026 – 8 PM – 9:30 PM
Warmer weather brings out the invertebrates! Join a ranger to face your fears by
earning and searching for native scorpions. *Registration required*
Lunch Lecture Series: Astronomy & Dark Skies!
April 17, 2026 – 1 PM – 2 PM
This event will take place at the Upper Galoot Picnic Area. Bring your lunch and learn from a ranger!
Under the Milky Way: UNS Celebration
April 17, 2026 – 8 PM – 10 PM
Join us at the Upper Galoot Picnic Area from 8pm-10pm for a special naturalist led star party! Explore the cosmos and constellations, look at deep space objects through telescopes, and learn how you can protect the night sky.
Stars Above, Wonder Within: UNS Celebration
April 18, 2026 – 10 AM – 1 PM
Join us at the Upper Galoot Picnic Area between 10am to 1pm for informational tables from local National Monuments and National Parks, games and activities! First 200 visitors who complete the stamp booklet by visiting each of the tables will receive a cookie!
Creatures & Constellations
April 19, 2026 – 8 PM – 10 PM
Explore stories of native nocturnal animals and constellation lore. Bring a blacklight if you dare! 8:00pm-10:00pm. *Registration required*
Lunch Lecture Series: Astronomy & Dark Skies!
April 24, 2026 – 1 PM – 2 PM
This event will take place at the Upper Galoot Picnic Area. Bring your lunch and learn from a ranger!
Steinaker State Park
Earth and Night Sky Celebration
April 11, 2026
8:00pm – 10:00pm
End the night gazing up at the cosmos, as we view our night sky through telescopes. The event will take place at the Day Use area parking lot.
This event is part of a state park multi-park celebration. Learn more.
Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum
Central Utah Astronomy Festival
April 17, 2026 – 11 am – 11 pm
11am – 3pm – Astronomy activities for all ages, information, tables and booths, and much more.
12pm – 2pm – Solar Scopes
7pm – Key Speaker: Dr. John Lundwall – Sun & Stone: The Cosmography of Clear Creek Canyon
8:30pm – Constellation Tours
9-11pm – Telescope Viewing
Field House of Natural History State Park Museum
Earth and Night Sky Celebration
April 11, 2026
9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Join us at the Field House for a behind the scenes tour of the fossil preparation lab. The last tour will finish at 12:15pm. There will be fun tabletop activities for kids to learn about dark skies, geology and dinosaurs!
This event is part of a state park multi-park celebration. Learn more.
Wasatch Mountain State Park
Dark sky event
April 17, 2026
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Stargaze with the University of Utah and meet Swoops the Great Horned Owl. Learn about our connection to the night sky and discover why dark skies are so important. Create astronomy crafts for kids. Play astronomy games.
Payment is due upon registration. Please pre-register by 5 p.m. on April 13 at: Friendsofwasatchmountainstatepark.org/Events.
Location: Wasatch Mountain Golf Course, 975 Golf Course Dr, Midway, UT 84049
Willard Bay State Park
Star Party – EKO Adventure Challenge
International Dark Sky Week
April 17, 2026 7-11pm
Explore the night sky with a park ranger while learning about the importance of darkness and how you can help protect it.Telescopes provided, or bring your own. Chairs, blankets, snacks, and insect repellent encouraged. The event will take place at Eagle Beach.
The event is free with paid park entry or Utah State Parks Annual Pass.