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
Astro Arts
Saturday, March 21st at 9:30am
In this family fun program, learn about the stars, and take home your very own astronomy craft! We’ll be building gemstone star charts, and discussing how the night sky can inspire wonder, creativity, and storytelling! This activity is open to all ages and abilities! Astro Arts will be held Saturday, March 21st, from 9:30am to 10:00am 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 Constellation Quest that same evening!
Constellation Quest! Orion the Hunter
Saturday, March 21st at 8:00pm
Come explore the night skies above an International Dark Sky Park! Learn how to identify major winter asterisms and discover the stories of their associated constellations with the aid of lasers, binoculars, and a telescope. In this month’s Constellation Quest, we’ll discuss Orion the Hunter, known for his prominent belt, joined by his companions Canis Major and Canis Minor on the hunt for their prey, Lepus. The exciting tale of the fate of Orion is written on the stars, and with the help of a Ranger, you can read it too! Our Constellation Quest will be held at the Mountain Bike Lot on Saturday, March 21st, from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.
Telescopic Geo-Tour
Friday, March 27th at 6:30pm
Rock formations visible from Dead Horse Point State Park tell the story of millions of years of local geological history, revealing the past lives of our high desert landscape. Previous deep ocean floors, rolling desert ergs, and raptor-ravaged ravines now stand before us as thousands of feet of stone. With the aid of a telescope, we’ll get up close with the mountains, canyons, laccoliths, fins, arches, buttes, and mesmerizing landscapes surrounding the park. Our Telescopic Geo-Tour will be held Friday, March 27th, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, meeting at the Dead Horse Point Overlook Shade Shelter.
Scorpion Search
Saturday, March 28th at 8:00pm
Dead Horse Point State Park is home to several species of scorpion, from the fearsome Arizona Bark Scorpion down to the tiny Sawfinger Scorpion. One thing these critters have in common is that, under UV light, they glow a brilliant green! Following a brief Park Ranger presentation on these fascinating creatures, grab a UV flashlight and search the Intrepid Trail for scorpions! How many can you find? This Scorpion Search will begin at the Dead Horse Point State Park Visitor Center. Attendees will begin their search together, and may search an area of up to 2 miles wide. If you have your own UV light, you are welcome to bring it! Red lights and head lamps are also encouraged! Please dress for cool weather, and bring water! This event begins at 8:00pm, and will last about one hour!
Echo State Park
Star Party
March 20, 2026 – 8:30 PM
Look up and explore the night sky at Echo State Park! Join us for a star party where the lights go down and the stars come out. Learn about constellations, planets, and other celestial sights while enjoying the peaceful nighttime views over the reservoir. This family-friendly event is perfect for curious minds and night owls alike—bring a chair, a jacket, and your sense of wonder for an unforgettable evening under the stars.
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.
Goblin Valley State Park
Star Party- Origin and Types of Stars!
March 7, 2026 – 8PM, Observation Point
Join rangers to learn about the types of stars you can see in our amazing dark skies and then view stars and deep space objects through park telescopes.
Constellations- Love and Betrayal in the Sky!
March 21, 2026 – 8:30PM, Observation Point
Join rangers on a tour through the constellations, learning some of the mythology associated with them. We will then view various deep space objects through the park telescopes.
The Moons of Jupiter!
March 27, 2026 – 8:30PM, Observation Point
Join rangers to learn about the night sky, constellations, stars and the planet Jupiter. We will look at space objects through the park telescopes focusing on Jupiter and its amazing moons!
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.