Dark Skies Utah: Guided Stargazing Tours vs. Self-Guided Experiences

The dark skies of Utah are some of the best in the world and Zion National is one of the top stargazing destinations if you’re looking for what to do at night in Zion. There are a variety of hidden stargazing locations away from light pollution for both self-guided and professional stargazing tours. There is something for everyone here to explore dark sky tourism in Utah, whether you’re an experienced astronomer or it’s your first time stargazing. Here are some pros and cons when choosing a self-guided tour or hiring a professional stargazing guide in Zion.

Self-Guided Stargazing Near Zion

Exploring Utah’s dark skies on your own is a great way to experience the beautiful night skies in a peaceful environment. Self-guided stargazing tours offer flexibility and the freedom for your own adventure. As long as the skies are clear, you should see plenty of stars around here!

Pros of Self-Guided Stargazing

• Go Stargazing on Your Own Time: Taking yourself on your own self-guided stargazing tour in Zion is perfect for anyone who likes to be flexible. You can choose the location you want to go to and don’t have to be on anyone’s time but your own. 

• Self-Guided Stargazing Tours are Free: If you already have the gear you need, experiencing dark sky tourism in Utah is free. Some popular star gazing apps you can use are Stellarium or SkyView Lite to enhance your experience. This is the most cost-effective way to enjoy the stars near Zion if you are on a budget or just want to enjoy the dark skies of Utah on your own. 

• Enjoy the Stars in Solitude: If you are interested in enjoying the stars in complete silence, a self-guided tour may be the best option. Many stargazing enthusiasts seek to be in nature alone when they study the stars. 

Cons of Stargazing Solo

Self-guided stargazing is a great option in Zion, but there are some cons if you’ve never experienced night sky exploration before. 

• Lack of Experience: If it’s your first time stargazing or you’ve only been a handful of times, it may be challenging to identify planets and constellations without a guide. Even with some basic stargazing tips for beginners or using an app, it will be overwhelming to try and tackle on your own.

• Gear and Setup: Although looking at the stars is nice, if you really want the full experience of viewing the galaxy and the milky way in Utah, a telescope and a pair of binoculars are essential to explore the night sky. They can also be quite complicated to know how to use correctly.  

Best Locations for Self-Guided Stargazing

If you’re still planning on stargazing in Utah on your own, there are plenty of places with little to no light pollution in Southern Utah. Here are some of the best places for stargazing near Zion and remember to only go when the skies are clear!

• Kolob Reservoir:

• Grafton & Rockville

• Pa’rus Trail 

Dark Skies Utah: Professional Stargazing Tours in Zion 

If you are looking to learn more about the galaxy, signing up for a professional stargazing tour will offer an abundance of knowledge, excellent equipment and a guaranteed opportunity to see and learn more about the universe. Stargazing Zion is the best option for a stargazing guide service in Utah with an unforgettable experience of exploring the darkest skies in the United States.

Why Choose a Guided Stargazing Tour?

With Stargazing Zion, our professional astronomers and guides will walk you through the different planets, stars and constellations that you may miss on your own. We operate on a private piece of land on the western edge of Zion National Park, away from light pollution and distractions. Guides use high-quality telescopes and laser pointers guiding you through the nebulae, galaxies and star clusters you can’t see with the naked eye. Our two-hour programs are also customized based on your level of experience with stargazing to ensure you make the most of your experience under the dark skies of Utah.

One of the best parts of Stargazing Zion tours is the lavish experience we provide for all our guests. We provide zero gravity pods so you can lie back, relax, and take in the views of the galaxy. Each guest is also provided with a pair of Celestron Outland X Binoculars and a blanket to stay warm on the chilly Utah nights and our guides will share stories about ancient civilizations, the history of astronomy, and the evolution of the Cosmos. We provide coffee, tea and hot chocolate for an extra cozy experience, but guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks as well. 

With the help of our expert guides, some wonders of the universe you might see are; the milky way, Jupiter and Saturn (including their moons and rings), nebulae, star clusters, galaxies and meteor showers. Keep in mind that not every object is visible every night, but we can ensure to show you everything we can see during your experience with us!

Guided vs. Self-Guided Stargazing in Utah

If you are still deciding which route to take, we recommend doing what feels best for you, but it’s hard to match the depth of knowledge our guides provide. By booking a tour with Stargazing Zion, you will gain a deeper appreciation for International Dark Sky Parks and learn incredible knowledge about the universe. There is no wrong way to enjoy the beauty of Zion at night, but if you want to learn from the experts, taking advantage of Stargazing Zion is the best choice.