Including national parks, Utah is home to a total of 21 dark sky places out of a list of 90 around the world.
How many certified dark sky places and parks are in Utah?
This brings the total number of Dark Sky designations to 10 in the Utah Division of State Parks system. That’s not the end of the road though. We have plenty of additional parks who are looking to become designated as well.
Where is the darkest sky in Utah?
Jordanelle State Park
The park hosts dark sky events and its Rock Cliff Nature Area boasts the darkest skies in the park.
Does Utah have the most international dark sky parks?
Utah has the highest concentration of International Dark-Sky Association-certified locations, including communities, parks and protected areas.
What state has the most dark sky parks?
Arizona
Dark Sky Parks in the United States
| Rank | Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flagstaff | Arizona |
| 2 | Natural Bridges National Monument | Utah |
| 3 | Cherry Springs State Park | Pennsylvania |
| 4 | Borrego Springs | California |
Is Zion National Park a Dark Sky park?
In 2021, Zion National Park became certified as an International Dark Sky Park, a certification granted by the International Dark-Sky Association.
Where is the best place to stargaze in Utah?
Top 5 Star Gazing Spots in Utah
- Antelope Island State Park | Davis County. You feel bad for your urban friends in Salt Lake.
- Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce park rangers throwin’ some shade, yo.
- Arches National Park.
- Cedar Breaks National Monument.
- Natural Bridges Natural Monument.
Can you see the Milky Way in Utah?
This road trip through southwest Utah takes you to four of Utah’s best places to see the Milky Way — Capitol Reef National Park, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument. (Please see note below for spring travel).
Is Monument Valley a dark sky park?
For a more scientific and visual look at why Monument Valley is one of the few remaining locations in all of the United States and Europe with naturally dark skies, download the PDF of the First World Atlas for Artifical Lighting.
Where can you stay in stargaze in Utah?
Top 10 Vacation Rentals in Utah for Stargazing
- RedRock Teardrop – Moab.
- Luxury Tiny Home Near Capitol Reef – Teasdale.
- Cozy Home with Breathtaking Views – Torrey.
- Dark Sky House – Torrey.
- Quiet Shelters Red Rock Retreat – Kanab.
- Tiny House Near Zion National Park – Virgin.
- The Domes at Canyonlands – Monticello.
Can you see the Milky Way in Zion National Park?
Absolutely! You can see the Milky Way in Zion National Park during the summer months. Be sure to time your trip to Zion right – and time your stargazing session using a star-finder or night sky app – to maximize your chances to see our galaxy.
Can you see Milky Way from Bryce Canyon?
Bryce Canyon National Park:
In Bryce Canyon, visitors can see up to 7,500 stars on a moonless night. As stargazers look at the sky, the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon. Among the stars, some planets, including Venus and Jupiter, can be seen and are shining brightly enough to cast a shadow.
Is Antelope Island a dark sky?
Antelope Island is one of a growing number of International Dark Sky Parks in Utah. These places provide an “exceptional quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment.”
Where is the darkest sky in the USA?
The Cosmic Campground, New Mexico
It’s THE darkest place in the United States, located in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. The nearest source of artificial light is more than 40 miles away — making it a “must do” for stargazers.
How many dark sky locations are there?
Where are the International Dark Sky Places located? As of January 2022, there are 195 certified IDSPs in the world. See where they are located on our interactive map.
How many dark sky parks are in the US?
There are 11 Dark Sky Parks in the United States; seven have been designated as “gold tier” parks, the highest possible rating, based on a comprehensive technical scale that considers things like artificial light, skyglow, and observable sky phenomena.
Can you drive into Zion at night?
You can drive hwy 9 thru the park at any hour. Its a state highway. As far as I know, you need a Red Pass (which means you are staying at the lodge)to access the canyon road to the lodge at any time the shuttles are running, either day or night.
Can you hike Zion at night?
At Zion Ponderosa you can even enjoy night hiking and exploring under the stars! Zion Ponderosa Ranch and Resort is located far from light polluted areas, which make those shiny stars in the sky shimmer brighter than ever! On a clear sky night you can see the milky way as clearly as ever before.
What is the best time of night to stargaze?
The best time to go stargazing is the days before, during and soon after each new Moon, when there is no Moon in the sky. During these times, there is no bright Moon to wash out the light from fainter stars.
What time can you see Milky Way in Utah?
March–May: The galactic core will first become visible a few hours before sunrise. June–August: View the Milky Way as soon as the sun sets for most of the night. September–November: The Milky Way will be best seen in the early evening. November–February: The galaxy core will not be visible in the northern hemisphere.
What is the brightest star in Utah?
Of the thousands of stars humans can see at night with our eyes alone, Sirius is the brightest star we can see. Sirius is also known as the Dog Star.
