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
Constellation Quest: Springtime Starscapes
May 15, 2026 –9:30pm
Explore the Roman mythology of the constellation Virgo with the aid of a telescope! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light! Meet at the Visitor Center. Telescope Viewing.
Stargazing: Dark Skies over Dead Horse Point
May 22, 2026 –9:30pm
Immerse yourself in the dark skies over Dead Horse Point! Naked-eye stargazing only! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light! Meet at the Visitor Center. Ranger Presentation.
Constellation Quest: The Trials of Heracles
May 23, 2026 – 9:30pm
Explore the Greek mythology of the constellation Hercules with the aid of a telescope! Bring an outdoor blanket and a red light! Meet at the Mountain Bike Lot. Telescope Viewing.
Stargazing: Dark Skies over Dead Horse Point
May 29, 2026 –9:30pm
Immerse yourself in the dark skies over Dead Horse Point! Naked-eye stargazing only! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light! Meet at the Visitor Center. Ranger Presentation.
Luna in the Lens: Blue Moon
May 30, 2026 – 9:30pm
Discover the wonders of lunar geography through the lens of a telescope! Bring a red light! Meet at the Point Shelter. Telescope Viewing.
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley Astronomy Festival!
May 16, 2026 – 1-9:30 PM
We will have programs all day long for this special day!
Schedule:
1-4pm: fun astronomy crafts at the park visitor center.
6-8pm: dark sky table at the Observation Point. Learn about light pollution, the importance of protecting dark skies and nocturnal wildlife.
9:30pm: Dark Skies and Constellations! Join rangers from multiple state parks to learn about the importance of dark skies and tour the constellations. We will have multiple telescopes available to view space objects.
Scorpion Quest- Night Vision Mission!
May 23, 2026 – 9:30PM
Join rangers to learn about these amazing critters and then hike with blacklights to see them glow! Meet at Amphitheater.
Venomous Critters of Goblin Valley
May 30, 2026 – 8:30PM
Join rangers to learn about the creepy critters that call the park home! After the program we will search for scorpions with black lights. Meet at Amphitheater.
Full Moon Hike
May 31, 2026 – 9:45 PM
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.
Sand Hollow State Park
Scorpion Hunt
May 14 — 8:30-10:30 PM
Join a Park Ranger for a nighttime adventure among glowing arachnids. Enjoy a ¼ 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
May 30 — 8:45-10 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 be available for rentals; while supplies last!
Utahraptor State Park
Scorpion Search
May 15, 2026 — 9 – 10 PM
Scorpions glow under UV light! Join Park Rangers for a nighttime 0.5-mile walk searching for these glowing creatures! Where: Utahraptor State Park at Historic Site (38.711910, -109.700358)