INSTAGRAM

Utah has some of the best stargazing in the country, here’s where

Jul 17, 2023, 1:27 PM | Updated: Jun 27, 2024, 10:19 pm

(Andrew Hyer/KSL TV Viewer)...

(Andrew Hyer/KSL TV Viewer)

(Andrew Hyer/KSL TV Viewer)

SALT LAKE CITY — Summer is upon us and for many that means taking advantage of Utah’s great outdoors. While many may think of rock formations and national parks when it comes to Utah, there’s another aspect of Utah’s backyard that entices visitors: our dark skies.
With the highest of International Dark-Sky Association-certified locations, including communities, parks and protected areas, Utah has some of the best star-gazing areas in the U.S.
According to visitutah.com, 80% of Americans live in an area where the Milky Way is not visible due to light pollution from the cities.  The International Dark Sky Places (IDSP) Program was founded in 2001 to encourage communities and parks to protect dark sites around the world through better lighting policies and public education.

As of January 2023, there are 201 certified Dark Sky Places in the world. Utah has 24 Dark-Sky certified locations.

Zion National Park Designated As International Dark Sky Park

Utah has the highest concentration of International Dark-Sky Association-certified locations, including communities, parks and protected areas.

Utah’s starry skies, taken from an undisclosed dark sky location (Larry D Curtis/KSL TV)

So just where can you get some of Utah’s best views of the Milky Way? Here’s the Dark-sky certified areas in Utah.

Northern Utah areas

  • Antelope Island
  • Dinosaur National Monument
  • East Canyon State Park
  • Jordanelle State Park
  • North Fork Park
  • Rockport State Park
  • Steinaker State Park
  • Timpanogos Cave National Monument

Southeastern Utah areas

  • Arches National Park
  • Canyonlands National Park
  • Dead Horse Point State Park
  • Goblin Valley State Park
  • Goosenecks State Park
  • Hovenweep National Monument
  • Natural Bridges National Monument
  • Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Southwestern Utah areas

  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Capitol Reef National Park
  • Cedar Breaks National Monument
  • Fremont Indian State Park
  • Kodachrome Basin State Park
  • Zion National Park

 

KSL 5 TV Live

Instagram

missionary tag...

Larry D. Curtis

Single men 40 and older may now serve missions as roles for single sisters expands

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will now allow missionary opportunities for single Church members who are men 40 and older. Men join sister missionaries of the same age, already allowed in service, who will now be given expanded service roles.

9 hours ago

Sedona is recovering after being trapped in a fire at Moab National Bark on Oct. 26, 2024. (Courtes...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Family says it’s a ‘miracle’ that their dog is alive after kennel fire

A family is sharing about their dog’s fight to stay alive after firefighters rescued her from a dog boarding business that went up in flames.

10 hours ago

Political graffiti art was put on the whale sculpture in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2024...

Mary Culbertson and Shelby Lofton, KSL TV

Prominent whale statue in Salt Lake City vandalized days before election

A prominent whale statue in Salt Lake City was graffitied with a political message on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 — just seven days ahead of Election Day.

3 days ago

Novelty pumpkins grown at Cache Valley Giant Pumpkins, by Katie and Jim Seamons. (Mike Anderson, KS...

Mike Anderson

Family quits dairy farming for novelty pumpkins

A Cache Valley family is making a business out of their love for Halloween. They're known for their giant pumpkins and pumpkins grown into face molds.

3 days ago

Picture of Keith Barber captured on surveillance at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Cottonwood H...

Garna Mejia

New information about man accused of threatening church congregations in Utah

A man is behind bars tonight after making threats against Catholics and Latter-day Saints in Utah.

4 days ago

Bystanders and first responders in Hells Gate forming a human-chain to get a hurt ATV rider out of ...

Shelby Lofton

Strangers form human chain to lift injured ATV driver to safety

A group of strangers came together to help an ATV driver who was seriously hurt after crashing at a popular off-roading spot on Saturday afternoon. 

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

family having fun at home...

Lighting Design

Discover the impact of lighting on your mood

From color temperature to lighting saturation, we tackle how different lighting design setups can impact your day-to-day mood.

Laptops in a modern technology store. Department of computers in the electronics store. Choosing a ...

PC Laptops

How to choose the best laptop for college students

Finding the right laptop for college students can be hard, but with this guide we break down what to look for so you can find the best one.

young male technician is repairing a printer at office...

Les Olson

Unraveling the dilemma between leasing and buying office technology

Carefully weigh these pros and cons to make an informed decision that best suits your business growth and day-to-day operation. 

A kitchen in a modern farmhouse....

Lighting Design

A room-by-room lighting guide for your home

Bookmark this room-by-room lighting guide whenever you decide to upgrade your lighting or style a new home.

Photo courtesy of Artists of Ballet West...

Ballet West

The rising demand for ballet tickets: why they’re harder to get

Ballet West’s box office is experiencing demand they’ve never seen before, leaving many interested patrons unable to secure tickets they want.

Utah has some of the best stargazing in the country, here’s where