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
September 19
Starting at 7:00pm
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. Answers to common questions can be found at OAS’s website. You’re welcome to contact dpittz@utah.gov with any questions as well.
Park Impacts: Altered traffic flow, please follow signs for PUBLIC STAR PARTY.
October 10
Starting at 6:30pm
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. Answers to common questions can be found at OAS’s website. You’re welcome to contact dpittz@utah.gov with any questions as well.
Park Impacts: Altered traffic flow, please follow signs for PUBLIC STAR PARTY.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Starlight Stories
Friday, September 11th at 9:00pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Ranger presentation, no telescope.
Immerse yourself in the stories of the dark skies over Dead Horse Point! Naked-eye stargazing only! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light!
Scoping Out Space
Saturday, September 12th at 9:00pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Telescope Ranger Presentation.
Explore the stars, galaxies, and nebulae in the dark skies above Dead Horse Point with the aid of a telescope! Bring a red light!
Starlight Stories
Friday, September 18th at 9:00pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Ranger presentation, no telescope.
Immerse yourself in the stories of the dark skies over Dead Horse Point! Naked-eye stargazing only! Bring an outdoor blanket and red light!
Scorpion Search
Saturday, September 19th at 8:00pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Easy 1.5 mile hike.
Search for the glow of a scorpion with a UV flashlight! Bring a UV / black light!
Luna in the Lens
Saturday, September 26th at 9:00pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Telescope moon viewing.
Discover the wonders of lunar geography through the lens of a telescope! Bring a red light!
Scorpion Search
Sunday, September 27th at 8:00pm
Meet at the Visitor Center. Telescope moon viewing.
Search for the glow of a scorpion with a UV flashlight! Bring a UV / black light!
Goblin Valley State Park
The Epic of Cassiopeia! (constellation tour)
September 11 – 8:30PM
Join rangers for a tour of the constellations and stars focusing on the story of Cassiopeia, Andromeda, Cepheus, Perseus and Pegasus! We will show other constellations as well and view some awesome deep space objects through park telescopes.
Where: Observation Point
Scorpion Quest!
September 12 – 8:15PM
Learn about these amazing desert critters and then search for them on a short hike with blacklights!
Where: Amphitheater
Sunset Hike (nocturnal wildlife)!
September 18 – 7:30PM
Join rangers for a short hike through the hoodoos! You will learn about the fascinating nighttime wildlife of the park and the importance of protecting dark skies. Where: Observation Point
Constellation Tour and Moon Viewing!
September 19 – 8:15PM
Join rangers for a tour of the constellations and stars focusing on the mythology associated with them! We will then view the moon and some awesome deep space objects through park telescopes. Where: Observation Point
Full Moon Hike!
September 26 – 7:30PM
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.
All events this day will start at the Observation Point. More information will be shared on both our Facebook and Instagram pages once the event gets closer. For all hikes, please wear sturdy shoes and sun protection and bring water and snacks.
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
Saturday, September 12th – Star Party
Join us for a night under the stars. We will have a short program and constellation tour, and then we will have the telescopes set up for people to view dark sky objects. Meet at the Museum Activity Center at 8:30pm.
Saturday, September 26th – Full Moon Hike
Discover the secrets of the night at Fremont Indian State Park and Museum. This guided evening hike takes visitors through the canyon under the brilliance of a full moon. Participants will learn about nocturnal ecology, astronomy connections, and dark-sky preservation while trekking past illuminated rock art and formations. The trail is dirt and rock, so proper footwear, a jacket, and a flashlight (red lens preferred) are preferred. Standard vehicle day-use fees apply. Meet outside the Visitor Center at 8pm.
Great Salt Lake State Park
Full Moon Walk
September 26 — 6:40
Join a park ranger for an evening stroll across the expanse of Silver Sands Beach. The walk will begin after sunset, and we will watch as the moon rises and casts its reflection over the Great Salt Lake. The event tour is $3 per person + the $10 (per vehicle) to enter the park. Dogs are welcome but must be on leash.
Meet at the Observation Deck just past the Visitor’s Center. The walk will mostly consist of approximately 1/2 mile along relatively flat terrain with typical beach hazards (uneven, unstable sand, changing conditions, etc). Strollers have difficulty in the sand. Meet at the Observation Deck just past the Visitor Center at 6:40 PM. Please be prompt as the park gates close at 9:35 PM.
Rockport State Park
Star Party
September 11 — 10 PM
Come enjoy the night sky with us at Rockport State Park! Bring a blanket, warm layers, and get ready for an incredible night under the stars. We hope to see you there!
Location: Highland Day Use – Upper Parking Lot
Steinaker State Park
September 11
Stargazing with Telescopes
8-10 pm
Steinaker State Park
Join a park ranger and admire the night sky. There will be multiple telescopes provided by the Salt Lake Astronomy Society.
In the beach parking lot south of the campground. Weather permitting. Bring a camp chair, minimize flashlight use, no pets.