Goosenecks, Fremont Indian State Parks Receive International Dark Sky Designations

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Two more Utah state parks have received International Dark Sky Park designations from the International Dark-Sky Association.

Goosenecks and Fremont Indian state parks were the ninth and 10th parks to receive the designation, giving Utah “more designations than any other state park system in the world,” officials said.

“The dedication that the Utah Division of State Parks shows to preserving dark skies is admirable,” said Ruskin Hartley, executive director of the International Dark-Sky Association. “We are delighted to welcome Fremont Indian and Goosenecks state parks to the International Dark Sky Places Program.”

“Staff at both parks have worked hard over the past five years to make people aware of the value of natural darkness,” officials added. “They have consistently monitored the quality of their night skies and held frequent dark sky education events.”

Goosenecks State Park is located near Mexican Hat, Utah, while Fremont Indian State Park and Museum is just west of Sevier along Interstate 70.

Overall, Utah now has 23 certified International Dark Sky Places.

Gunlock and Wasatch Mountain state parks are following a similar process to receive their own dark sky designation.