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
Star Party with Ogden Astronomical Society
May 11 – 6:00 PM
Join OAS at the White Rock Bay / Back Country Trailhead starting at 6:00pm for (safe) solar viewing through telescopes. After dark scopes will be switched for night sky viewing. This is an open, come-and-go-as-you-wish event. For more information about our hosts, visit https://www.ogden-astronomy.org/
There is no fee for this event. If you have questions please contact tackley@utah.gov
Park Impacts: Increased evening traffic in White Rock Bay
Dead Horse Point State Park
Full Moon Hike
April 24 – 8:30 PM
Join a ranger as we hike by the light of the full moon and learn about the animals that go bump in the night. The hike will be 1 mile and will be on a rock and dirt trail. Meet in front of the Visitor Center at 8:30pm.
Star Party
May 8 – 9:30 PM
Stargazing, constellations, stories, and telescope viewing? Yes, please! Join us for a night amongst the stars. We will meet in the Visitor Center parking lot at 9:30pm.
Star Party
May 10 – 9:30 PM
The stars are aligning . . . okay not really. We will be showing how some stars align to make up our constellations. After a constellation tour and stories we will pull out the telescopes and look at some deep space objects. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot at 9:30 PM.
Sunset Talk: Desert Colors
May 14 – 7:45 PM
As the sun fills the sky with reds, oranges, and pinks, listen to a ranger as they tell about the other colors you can see in the desert. Meet out at the Dead Horse Point Overlook at 7:45 PM. We will walk a little ways down the west rim trail to our spot.
Scorpion Hunt
May 16 – 9:15 PM
Armed with our trusty UV lights we will hike along the mountain bike trail looking for the glow of scorpions. Meet out at the mountain bike parking lot at 9:15 PM for a fun night of hunting. UV lights are provided but if you have one please bring it and make sure you have closed-toe shoes.
Full Moon Hike
May 22 – 9:00 PM
As the moon is reaching its “full” potential, come walk by its light with one of our rangers. Meet in front of the Visitor Center for a 1-mile hike. The hike will be on a dirt and rock trail so please wear appropriate shoes. We will meet at 9:00 PM.
Full Moon Hike
May 23 – 9:00 PM
Join a ranger as we hike by the light of the full moon and learn about the animals that go bump in the night. The hike will be 1 mile and will be on a rock and dirt trail. Meet in front of the Visitor Center at 9:00 PM.
Sunset Talk: Geology Rocks!
May 29 – 7:45 PM
Sunset can be a spectacular time to come and view what the park has to offer. Watch the sunset and while you do a ranger will talk to you about what makes this one of the most photographed places in the world. Meet by the bathrooms out at the Dead Horse Point Overlook at 7:45 PM. We will be walking a little ways down the west rim trail. You are welcome to bring a chair if you would like.
Scorpion Hunt
May 31 – 9:15 PM
UV lights are ablaze as we search for the sometimes elusive scorpion. Scorpions are a nocturnal animal that have a unique quality. They glow blue green under UV light! Join us out at the mountain bike parking lot at 9:15 PM for a fun night of hunting. UV lights are provided but if you have one please bring it and make sure you have closed toe shoes.
Check back soon! Events are added regularly!