Astrotourism With Purpose
Visitors can plan routes around star parties, park programs, gateway communities, and quiet overnight stays while supporting places that reduce light pollution.
Protected Night Skies Across Utah
Utah Dark Sky Trail
A statewide journey through one of the world’s leading collection of protected night skies.
The trail connects national parks, national monuments, state parks, gateway communities, and partner destinations recognized for protecting and sharing natural nightscapes. Plan a route that supports conservation, science education, cultural heritage, and rural communities across Utah.
About The Trail
A connected route for night-sky travel and stewardship.
The Utah Dark Sky Trail brings together certified places and partner destinations that promote and protect dark skies as a shared natural, cultural, scientific, and economic resource.
Conservation And Education
The trail highlights night-sky conservation, astronomy, nocturnal ecosystems, and public programs that help people understand why darkness matters.
Heritage And Local Benefit
Dark skies are part of Utah's rural identity and cultural landscapes. The trail encourages low-impact travel that respects communities, tribal lands, and sacred places.
Explore Destinations
Find Utah Dark Sky Trail destinations.
Explore certified dark sky parks, national monuments, state parks, gateway communities, and partner areas across Utah. Use the category filters to focus the map, then open a marker for visitor-facing details and official planning links.
28 destinations
Plan Your Trip
Featured destinations
These destinations provide night-sky focused programming throughout the year. Check the events below for those near you.
Arches National Park
National Park · International Dark Sky Park
Southeastern Utah
Visit official siteBryce Canyon National Park
National Park · International Dark Sky Park
Southwestern Utah
Visit official siteCapitol Reef National Park
National Park · International Dark Sky Park
Central Utah
Visit official siteCanyonlands National Park
National Park · International Dark Sky Park
Southeastern Utah
Visit official siteZion National Park
National Park · International Dark Sky Park
Southwestern Utah
Visit official siteNatural Bridges National Monument
National Monument · International Dark Sky Park
Southeastern Utah
Visit official siteCedar Breaks National Monument
National Monument · International Dark Sky Park
Southwestern Utah
Visit official siteHovenweep National Monument
National Monument · International Dark Sky Park
Southeastern Utah
Visit official siteEvents Preview
Programs and gatherings under protected skies.
Upcoming listings will feature star parties, ranger-led programs, dark sky festivals, astronomy viewing, night sky photography, and interpretive programming.
The Epic of Cassiopeia! (constellation tour)
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
- Host
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Type
- Ranger Program
Star Party
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
- Host
- Rockport State Park
- Type
- Star Party
Scorpion Quest!
Learn about these amazing desert critters and then search for them on a short hike with blacklights! Where: Amphitheater
- Host
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Type
- Ranger Program
Sunset Hike (nocturnal wildlife)!
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
- Host
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Type
- Ranger Program
Constellation Tour and Moon Viewing!
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
- Host
- Goblin Valley State Park
- Type
- Ranger Program
Full Moon Walk
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...
- Host
- Great Salt Lake State Park
- Type
- Ranger Program
Responsible Travel
Travel Tips For After Dark
Dark-sky travel works best when visitors protect the places and communities that make the experience possible. Plan ahead, keep light low, and leave the night better than you found it.
- Use red lights instead of white lights.
- Stay on designated roads, trails, and viewing areas.
- Respect tribal lands, private lands, cultural places, and sacred landscapes.
- Check weather, moon phase, seasonal road conditions, and official park guidance before visiting.
- Support communities and businesses that protect the night sky.
Project Partners
Built through statewide partnership
The Utah Dark Sky Trail brings together conservation, tourism, science, and public-land partners working to protect and share Utah’s internationally recognized night skies.
The Utah Dark Sky Trail is a collaborative project of the Dark Sky Cooperative within the Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at Utah State University, the Utah Chapter of DarkSky, the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division of the National Park Service, and the Utah Office of Tourism and Film.
Together, these partners support responsible astrotourism, public education, and the long-term stewardship of Utah’s exceptional natural nightscapes.
