Go Stargazing at Moab's Dark Sky Parks

Although cities are wonderful places, there's always a time when you want to get away from it all. To see what the world looked like before human development. For those times, Utah's dark sky parks in Moab are a perfect retreat.

If you've never heard of a dark sky park, don't feel bad! The terminology is new and refers to an area of wilderness that remains free of light pollution. As such, dark sky areas reveal the full majesty of the galaxy at night, with stars shining bright in all directions. Whether you're there for astrophotography or just to watch, the night sky is a spectacle that shouldn't be missed.

With three dark sky parks in the area, Moab is an ideal town for stargazing. Camp at one of our four area resorts and head out at night to enjoy the light show at one of these incredible locales!

Dark Sky Parks in Moab, Utah

Arches National Park

Arches National Park became an International Dark Sky Park in summer 2019, after new measures were enacted to reduce light pollution. The National Park Service installed shielded light fixtures and special bulbs to minimize and contain the amount of blue light generated in the park. As such, Arches now offers stunning stellar views on a clear night.

The further north you go in the park, the better the visibility will be. Some of the best stargazing spots in Arches National Park include:

• The Windows Section
• Panorama Point
• Balanced Rock Picnic Area

Canyonlands National Park

Nearby Canyonlands National Park was named a Gold-Tier Dark Sky Park in 2015 by the International Dark-Sky Association. Both individual and ranger-led stargazing tours are common in Canyonlands.

Unlike Arches, nearly every spot in Canyonlands National Park is great for stargazing. You might try hiking or taking the 4WD road up to Island in the Sky for panoramic views. Horseshoe Canyon is also a great spot and the west rim is accessible by 2WD cars during good weather.

Dead Horse Point State Park

One of the best dark sky parks in Moab isn't even a national park. Dead Horse Point State Park was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2016 and is about a 45-minute drive southwest of Moab. The park sits atop a high plateau, offering clear lines of sight with distant mountain views. While not as large as the national parks, almost every spot in Dead Horse Point is ideal for stargazing.

Camp Under the Stars at Nearby Resorts

With its many outdoor attractions, Moab has become an immensely popular destination. We're proud to host guests at four resorts in Moab, with each offering a little something different. From convenient gas stations and grocery stores to swimming pools next to red rocks, our resorts have everything you need during your trip. Book your stay soon and come discover the dark sky parks in Moab!

Nearby Resorts

• Sun Outdoors North Moab
• Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway
• Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway
• Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

Have you witnessed the full splendor of the galaxies in Moab's dark sky parks? Don't let others go without sharing the same experience! Share this post and spread the word about these superb attractions in Moab.  

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