Best Stargazing Spots in Zion National Park
Dark Sky Month & Seasonal Stargazing
Tips for Night Sky Photography in Utah
Best Places to Stay in Zion for Stargazing
Stargazing in Utah: Guided vs. Self-Guided
Stargazing Tours with Families in Utah
Why Choose a Zion Stargazing Tour
Zion National Park in the southwest of Utah has some of the most stunning nature in the United States. With its towering red cliffs, the canyons of the Virgin River and endless beautiful hikes, it’s a dream vacation destination. It is also an International Dark Sky Park and has some of the most incredible views of the night sky, making it one of the best places in Utah for stargazing. If you’re wondering what to do in Zion at night besides enjoying the local cuisine in Springdale, the best thing to do is take in the dark skies of Utah and go stargazing. Here is our ultimate guide to stargazing in Utah so you can be prepared for the best experience viewing the night sky on your next trip to Zion!
Best Stargazing Spots in Zion National Park
Once you’ve figured out what to do in Zion and have decided that stargazing will be your evening activity, it’s important to find the best stargazing spots in Zion away from light pollution. Since Utah has some of the darkest skies in the United States, it’s pretty easy to find dark places for viewing the stars. Make sure you head out of any towns or small cities, so you can find a place outside with minimal light pollution. For the best views of the celestial wonders of the sky, we recommend a few areas that offer some of the clearest skies to view the stars in Zion.
BLM land near Grafton and Rockville offer secluded, light-free views of the stars with a vast view of the sky. If you are up for a bit of a drive, Kolob Reservoir is an hour drive from Zion, but offers a higher elevation and reflects the galaxy off the water for an incredibly magical experience. If you want to keep it more local and stick to an accessible trail in the park after dark, the Pa’rus Trail has no light pollution and has a stunning backdrop of Zion Canyon while viewing the stars. Whether you go stargazing on your own or join a stargazing tour in Zion, these incredibly dark skies will blow you away!
Dark Sky Month & Seasonal Stargazing
If you’re wondering when the best time to go stargazing in Utah is, the answer is–anytime of the year! Each season provides different weather and celestial events with incredible views of the stars when the sky is clear. The best month of the year to visit Zion for stargazing is April, which is dark sky month in Utah. This is a time dedicated to celebrating the state’s effort at preserving the pristine skies and raising awareness about light pollution. During April, Zion National Park and other Dark Sky Parks in Utah host a variety of stargazing events such as night hikes, ranger talks and star parties.
If you can’t make it in April, the rest of the spring is a wonderful time for viewing the stars in Zion with fewer crowds and the Lyriads Meteor Shower. Summer months in Zion can be more crowded, but it’s the best time of year to see the milky way and the busy season brings in a community of astronomers and astrophotographers to the area. Fall brings a more tranquil and crisp stargazing experience and the Draconids Meteor Shower in October. Lastly, the winter in Zion can be surprisingly cold for the desert, but if you’re prepared to bundle up, the crystal clear skies of the Southern Utah desert are incredible.
Regardless of the season, booking a professional tour stargazing in Utah with Stargazing Zion will provide you with a unique and educational experience of a night under the stars.
Tips for Night Sky Photography in Utah
If you already know that the best thing to do in Zion at night is stargazing, and you’re into photography, here are some tips for night sky photography in Utah. Since the skies are incredibly dark in Zion, this is one of the best locations in the United States for astrophographers.
To capture stunning images of the milky way, constellations and star trails, the best time to take photos of the night sky is during a new moon when the skies are completely clear. Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, a wide-angle lens and a tripod for long exposure photography. Seek our favorite spots such as Kolob Canyon, or the Pa’rus Trail for minimal light pollution and dress warmly and wear close-toed shoes. Being comfortable and warm is important for a successful nighttime photography mission in the Utah desert.
Best Places to Stay in Zion for Stargazing
Whether you want to look at the stars from where you’re staying or easily set up a stargazing tour through your accommodation, here are the best places to stay in Zion for epic stargazing experiences. With a combination of luxury, comfort and prime locations, these are ideal places to stay in Zion to take in the dark skies of Utah.
Under Canvas: This luxurious glamping experience offers upscale accommodation with fully furnished tents, ensuite bathrooms, and breathtaking views. It’s also recently been named the world’s first Dark Sky-certified resort!
Open Sky: If you’re looking for a romantic retreat with safari-style luxury tents, private soaking tubs, and an intimate off-the-grid setting for couples to unwind and stargaze, this is the place to spend your time in Zion.
Autocamp Zion: For the perfect family vacation set up, Autocamp Zion features modern Airstream trailers, nightly bonfires, and easy access to stargazing tours or self-guided adventures.
Zion Red Rock Villa: With infinity pools, game rooms, and plenty of space for large groups, this provides easy access to the park’s dark trails and private stargazing tours.
Stargazing in Utah: Guided vs. Self-Guided
Curious about what to do in Zion at night? Stargazing in Zion is breathtaking, but there are two routes to take; a self-guided stargazing tour or a guided stargazing tour. Enjoying the stars on your own offers flexibility and allows you to go at your own pace with your own equipment. Although the flexibility is nice, it can be challenging for you to identify celestial bodies unless you have an understanding of astronomy and know how to use quality telescopes and binoculars. If you just want to view the stars, that’s one approach, but with a guided tour you will be provided state-of-the-art equipment and an educational experience with a professional guide.
For those looking for a more curated experience, we recommend booking a tour with Stargazing Zion to make the most of your experience in the darkest skies of the country.
Stargazing Tours with Families in Utah
If you are traveling to Utah with your family and have kids in tow, you can still enjoy a stargazing tour in Zion. In fact, a stargazing tour is a magical and educational experience for kids who are excited to learn about the planets and the night sky. Stargazing Zion’s tours are best for children ages 7 and up who have started learning about earth science in school, but younger kids can enjoy the experience as well.
This family-friendly stargazing tour in Zion also includes stories of the constellations and celestial wonders of the world, leaving children excited and in awe. In the summer, tours start later, so occasionally children fall asleep on the pods during the tour, but we find that most parents enjoy the solitude of this experience. With a focus on education and viewing the nebulae, planets and stars, stargazing in Utah is a memorable family experience and the best way to enjoy Zion at night with your family.
What to Do in Zion at Night: Why Choose a Zion Stargazing Tour
Now that you know all about stargazing and what to expect for experiencing the dark skies of Utah, here are some reasons you should choose a stargazing tour with Stargazing Zion. Regardless of your choice, make sure you get outside and view the stars in Southern Utah if you are in town. It’s what keeps us in continuous awe of the world and why we do what we do!
High-Class Luxury Experience: Enjoy a premium stargazing experience complete with zero-gravity pods, cozy blankets, hot beverages, and photos taken by professional photographers sent to you after the tour.
Best Location for Stargazing in Zion: Our stargazing site is perfectly situated at 6,000 feet on the western edge of Zion National Park, offering unobstructed views of the cosmos away from light pollution.
Education and Technology for Viewing Stars: Professional guides and cutting-edge telescopes reveal galaxies, nebulae, and planets, while guides share fascinating stories about the cosmos, evolution of the earth and ancient civilizations.
Utah’s Dark Sky: Zion’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park is a stargazing paradise. Stargazing in Zion ensures some of the darkest skies in the U.S., perfect for stargazing enthusiasts and astrotourism.
The Best Evening Activity in Zion: When the sun sets in the desert, there’s no better way to experience the magic of Southern Utah than immersing yourself in the beauty of the night sky.
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