Events

April

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!