Zion National Park is known for its incredible landscapes and towering cliffs, but best of all, it’s known as having some of the darkest skies in Utah. When the sun goes down, a blanket of stars covers the sky, making it a celestial wonderland of the universe. If you’re looking to view the constellations and see the milky way, here are some tips on finding the best stargazing spots in Zion for an unforgettable night of viewing the stars. Whether you want to go on a self-guided stargazing adventure or take a tour with Stargazing Zion, here are some of the top stargazing locations around.
Best Stargazing Spots in Zion
Grafton & Rockville
One of the best hidden stargazing spots in Zion is near Grafton and Rockville. You can find public BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands that offer little light pollution, making it ideal for a night under the stars. Located just outside of Zion National Park, accessible by car, the BLM land around Zion is free to the public and provides some significant areas for viewing the stars in some of the darkest skies in Utah. Few people venture onto BLM land at night besides off-grid campers, so this will be one of the most quiet places for stargazing in Zion with little to no distractions. We recommend downloading google maps ahead of time so you don’t get lost out in the desert! Prepare ahead of time with snacks, water and blankets and look at your route on the map before you head out on BLM land.
Kolob Reservoir
Another one of the best places to go stargazing near Zion is at Kolob Reservoir, which is perched at a higher elevation and offers extremely dark skies. This is a remote stargazing spot in Utah that astronomy enthusiasts dream of and the cosmos reflect onto the reservoir, making it a phenomenal place to take in the surreal beauty of the galaxy. Keep in mind that Kolob Reservoir is about an hour drive from Zion, so plan to make sure you are up for this nighttime adventure. If you decide to go there, it will be worth it. The higher altitude and remote setting of Kolob Reservoir make it one of the darkest skies near Zion for stargazing!
Pa’rus Trail
If venturing out on BLM land or driving an hour to Kolob Reservoir sounds like too much, viewing the stars from within the national park on Pa’rus Trail is a great choice for stargazing as well. The paved path makes it much more accessible for viewing the stars and is an easy option for families stargazing in Zion. This spot is also conveniently near Zion Lodge and provides a stunning backdrop of framed stars from the towering cliffs of the canyon.
Booking a Tour with Stargazing Zion
If you want to enjoy the best stargazing spot in Zion and get more out of your experience, book a professional stargazing tour. At Stargazing Zion, our tours are on a private piece of land along the western boundary of Zion National Park. We offer an exclusive experience far away from light pollution, for an intimate evening with our professional astronomers to educate you and answer any of your questions about the stars.
What sets Stargazing Zion apart from a self-guided stargazing tour is that we use high-quality telescopes and equipment so you can view the distant galaxies and nebulae that you would miss with the naked eye. We also provide a personalized experience for everyone, whether it’s your first time stargazing, or you traveled to Zion to view the stars. We provide a comfortable setting with blankets as our guides share stores and educate you on the magic of the universe.
Tips for Finding the Darkest Skies Near Zion
The location you choose to go stargazing in Zion can make or break your experience! Here are some tips on finding the best stargazing spots in Zion to optimize your stargazing experience.
Avoid Light Pollution: Stay away from heavily trafficked areas and towns with artificial lights. The farther you go from urban areas, the darker the skies will be. Look for remote stargazing spots Utah is known for such as our suggested stargazing locations.
Check the Moon Phases: The best stargazing occurs during a new moon or when the moon is below the horizon. Although a full moon is beautiful, it can wash out the stars and diminish the visibility of the hidden stargazing spots Zion offers.
Use Stargazing Apps: Using stargazing apps such as SkyView, Star Walk, or Stellarium can help you identify different stars and celestial objects making for a fun and educational experience on a self-guided stargazing tour.
Bring the Right Gear: We recommend bringing a comfortable chair and a warm blanket since the evenings are cold in the desert. A flashlight will be helpful (especially in red light to preserve your night vision) and if you have binoculars or a telescope, that will enhance your experience!
Check the Weather: The best time to go stargazing in Zion is when the sky is completely clear. Check the weather forecast ahead of time- if the sky is cloudy, you won’t be able to view the stars at all.
Whether you decide to look for the best stargazing spots near Zion on your own or book a tour, if the skies are clear, you’re guaranteed to have an incredible evening under the stars! The dark skies of Southern Utah are away from light pollution and are perfect for looking out for shooting stars and milky way viewing in Zion. Enjoy the natural phenomena of our galaxy and enjoy the beauty of stargazing in Zion!
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