Utah has the highest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Parks and Communities in the world. Each of Utah’s five national parks has been certified, but you also can experience dark skies and incredible stargazing right here in the Wasatch Mountains. From stargazing staycations to guided astronomy tours and tips for going out on your own, don’t miss the dark skies of Utah this summer and any time of year.
Rocky Mountain Astronomy Tours
Utah native Tanner Obray has been fascinated by space since childhood and started hosting star parties through his business, Rocky Mountain Astronomy Tours, in 2020. After six years, the optics and laser technology student still loves sharing his knowledge and seeing people experience the stars for the first time.
Obray says that by bringing a telescope to clients, they enjoy the “comfort of stargazing in a location that works best for them.” That might be a house or cabin, a hotel or other location of their choosing. Obray also works with local hotels, resorts and outfitters to offer nighttime programming, and corporate groups are frequent clients in the summer months.
When booking an astronomy tour, Obray arrives before sunset to set up his telescope. Guests look at different objects in the night sky, including galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and planets. Summer weekends book up quickly for this one-man show, so start planning your star party early.
Stargazing Staycations
Several area hotels and resorts offer stargazing as part of their lodging packages. Compass Rose Lodge in Huntsville, just over an hour from Park City, is the spot that inspired this article in the first place. The boutique hotel was built with stargazing in mind, and a barn silo holds the Huntsville Astronomical and Lunar Observatory (HALO). Ninety-minute Starwalk Tours are offered Monday through Saturday, with only six spots available each night. Preference is given to hotel guests, which is a great excuse for a weekend getaway. The lodge has 15 bedrooms, including two bunk-bed rooms that are great for families and is “one of only nine hotels in the world with an observatory,” says HALO guide Scott Robert.
The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Collection in Wanship is just far enough from Park City to feel like a getaway, with the convenience of Kimball Junction less than 15 miles away. This luxury lodge presents 90-minute stargazing experiences at its mountaintop yurt or the firepit at Yuta restaurant. Up to eight people can be hosted for an evening of stargazing, warm beverages and small bites. The 46 guest rooms include lodge suites, earth suites and creek houses, making this property another fun option for an overnight getaway.
Compass Sports at Pendry Park City also offers guided stargazing experiences. Guests are transferred to a dark location outside of the city and are given a tour of the night sky by a stargazing expert. The experience is complemented by blankets, warm drinks, snacks and star charts for guests’ reference. Afterward, return to the cozy rooftop hot tub to continue viewing the stars over Canyons Village.
Nordic Yurt at Soldier Hollow
For a unique dining and stargazing experience, The Nordic Yurt at Soldier Hollow is a beautiful way to spend a summer evening. The evening begins with a half-mile hike to the yurt, where guests enjoy a variety of activities and lawn games before tucking into a Western-style barbecue dinner. Public dinners are available on select Fridays starting in July, with some evenings including stargazing. Private dinners, with a stargazing add-on, can be reserved throughout the summer. The yurt’s outdoor firepit is the perfect spot to enjoy the dark skies of Midway.
Utah’s State Parks
Several area state parks have been designated as International Dark Sky Places, and many of them host stargazing parties throughout the year. East Canyon State Park, Jordanelle State Park and Rockport State Park each offer public programs for summer stargazing. A bit farther afield, Antelope Island State Park and Timpanogos Cave National Monument also present night sky programs throughout summer months.
Former Jordanelle State Park Manager Jason Whittaker recommends Rock Cliff Recreation Area as the darkest place in the park to observe the night sky. “It’s the area with the least amount of development, although that is changing rapidly,” he says.
Expert Tips for Stargazing
If you prefer to go out on your own and look at the night sky, Obray’s top tip is to “head east.” Because all the larger cities of Utah are on the west side of the Wasatch Mountains, the Park City area already has a helpful shield from light pollution. The farther you can travel from city lights, the more you will see in the sky. “So, just find a road east of the mountains, pull over and look up,” he advises. It really is that simple; you can even see the Milky Way here.
It’s important to note that “the human eye is not built for stargazing,” Obray shares. “Depending on your age, your eyes can take up to one hour to adapt to viewing the night sky.” This means if you look at your phone, reset the timer and allow your eyes up to one hour to adjust. Red headlamps are helpful, as they won’t impact your newly acquired night vision.
In terms of lunar timing, a new moon is the best time of the month for stargazing. The second is during a waning moon as it rises later in the night. While a full moon is not ideal for stargazing, viewing the moon through a telescope is also a cool experience.
A Show to Stay Up For
The biggest celestial event of the summer is the Perseid meteor shower in late August. From July 17 through August 24, debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet will be visible in the night sky. The showers will peak after midnight on August 13. The best part is that you don’t need any equipment to watch the Perseids. With a dark sky and adjusted eyes, you might see anywhere between 20 and 100 meteors per hour.
