This Canyon-Studded Paradise Is America’s Latest Stargazing Sensation

Utah has proudly added another gem to its stunning array of red desert vistas, historic rock arches adorned with petroglyphs, and profound canyons. Beyond the state’s renowned Mighty Five national parks—Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion—there's a new reason to explore Utah: its pristine dark skies.

On June 6, the city of Moab earned the title of an International Dark Sky Community, marking it as the 26th certified Dark Sky location in Utah—boasting the highest concentration in the world.

As urban lighting grows by 10 percent annually, the global nonprofit DarkSky has actively fought against light pollution since 2001, partnering with communities, parks, and local governments to adjust or eliminate lighting that wastes energy and diminishes darkness. Following a realization by astronomers in the 1970s about the detrimental effects of street lights and neon signs on natural wildlife cycles, over 200 DarkSky-certified sites have emerged across 22 countries. This effort has sparked a flourishing astrotourism trend that promotes reduced light pollution, enhancing stargazing opportunities and, with growing solar activity, increasing chances to see the northern lights—especially in Utah, known for some of the darkest skies in North America.

Moab was a natural candidate for Utah’s DarkSky locales after the city implemented its first light dimming ordinance in 2019, which lessened glare and illumination while ensuring outdoor lighting fixtures are shielded. Surrounded by diverse natural beauty, the area known as Canyon Country serves as a gateway to breathtaking landscapes featuring red rock formations, boulders, and hoodoos—ideal for stargazers. “Achieving this designation allowed us to reassess our outdoor lighting, enhancing safety and energy efficiency while reducing unnecessary light in areas like the sky,” explains Alexi Lamm, Moab’s sustainability director.

As astrotourism gains momentum and the northern lights prepare for another spectacular display with the approaching solar maximum and its 11-year cycle heating up, now is the perfect moment to plan your visit. Celebrate Moab’s recent designation as an International Dark Sky Community by exploring these breathtaking locations for stunning views of the sparkling night sky.

Moab and the Southeast

The city of Moab, home to 5,321 residents, is ideally situated between two of Utah's national parks—Arches and Canyonlands—making it an excellent gateway to five stunning national parks. Wander through ancient red rock formations and natural arches that date back to the dinosaur era; these formations provide spectacular views from every angle, especially as a stunning backdrop to the Milky Way. No visit is complete without a drive to the dedicated stargazing site at Panorama Point in Arches National Park (open 24/7), the breathtaking heights and celestial views of Dead Horse Point State Park, and the world's largest natural stone bridges at the first-ever International Dark Sky Park, Natural Bridges National Monument.

Where to stay: Experience Gravity Haus Moab, the newest tech-savvy boutique hotel designed for active travelers. Located in downtown Moab, it boasts an outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and stunning views of the surrounding red rocks. The hotel collaborates with local tour operators to offer thrilling activities like sand-dune tours, mountain biking, climbing, and hiking for those looking to immerse themselves in the area's beauty before nightfall brings out the stars.

Bryce, Zion, and the Southwest

Head west and ascend to Bryce Canyon National Park, recognized as an International Dark Sky Destination since 2019, offering a calendar filled with dark-sky events, including an astronomy festival. From this elevated, remote location, you can witness thousands of stars on clear nights, especially from Sunrise or Inspiration points, where the view stretches nearly 200 miles to the Black Mesas of eastern Arizona. For night hikes in some of the darkest skies in the contiguous United States, venture to Zion, particularly the eastern edge along Kolob Terrace Road. While you're exploring, don't miss other DarkSky-certified sites like Cedar Breaks National Monument, which hosts stargazing parties at an elevation of 10,000 feet.

Where to stay: Immerse yourself in nature and the night sky by glamping in a canvas tent at ULUM Moab or the first DarkSky-certified resort, Under Canvas, with locations in Moab, Zion, or Bryce Canyon. Starting August 1, astrotourists can book stays at Clear Sky Resorts’ new glass dome resort, situated in an 80-acre canyon just 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park, featuring 62 luxurious domes with floor-to-ceiling geodesic windows that showcase the breathtaking landscape and the cosmos above.

Northern Utah

Just minutes away from Snowbasin and Powder Mountain, you can ski or enjoy activities like hiking, biking, paddling, or horseback riding in another of Utah’s certified International Dark Sky Parks known as North Fork. Nestled in the Wasatch Range, approximately four hours north of Moab, you can explore the Astronomic and Lunar Observatory for stunning planetary views. Prefer to stargaze from a chairlift? Enjoy a summer moonlight lift ride to the summit of Sundance Mountain Resort, conveniently located near three certified Dark Sky Parks: Timpanogos Cave, Jordanelle State Park, and Rockport State Park.

Where to stay: Cozy up in a cabin at Sundance Mountain Resort, a ski area acquired by Robert Redford in 1969, the same year Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid premiered. Below the Huntsville observatory, discover a boutique accommodation at Compass Rose Lodge, owned by Bonnie and Jeff Hyde, both former competitive freestyle skiers. Be sure to visit “the oldest bar in Utah,” the 1850 Shooting Star Saloon, located just across the street.