A fire ban is currently in effect in and around Moab. That means you cannot light fires or personal fireworks of any kind — including in your campsite fire ring. Please practice fire safety and review locations of active wildfires in Utah.
Utah has the highest concentration of certified dark sky places in the world – and Moab, in addition to being a dark sky community, is home to three certified International Dark Sky Parks. Stargazing in Moab offers a stellar opportunity to escape light pollution and experience the desert's deep darkness, where you'll see brighter Milk Way than almost anywhere else.
Dark Sky Designations
Surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs and vaast stretches of protected public land, Moab offers front-row seats to some of the darkest skies in the country. Three nearby parks have earned an International Dark Sky designation: Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park,
Chasing Constellations
Whether you're hoping to spot the Milky Way, watch a meteor shower, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening under the cosmos, stargzing in Moab is closer than you think.
Arches National Park
For the best views, head to open areas along the main park road like Balanced Rock, The Windows, Garden of Eden Viewpoint, or the designated stargazing area at Panorama Point. Drive farther north for even darker skies, and stop by the visitor for info on the ranger-led astronomy events.
Night Skies here are so pristine that the International Dark Sky Association designated Canyonlands a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park in 2015, the highest designation for darkness. Enjoy night sky programs at the Island in the Sky and Needles districts, where rangers use storytelling and telescopes to showcase the wonders of the universe.
Perched atop a high-desert plateau with distant mountains and minimal light pollution, Dead Horse Point State Park offers sweeping views of the celestial sphere, making it one fo the best – and most accessible – places for stargazing in Moab. Spend your evening with park rangers for telescope gazing or a full moon hike.
Keep your eyes on the skies! Here's what to look out for when stargazing in Moab.
The Milky Way
The central part of the Milky Way, also known as the galactic core, can be seen shining brightly in Utah over the summer months, from March to November.
March–May: The galactic core doesn’t become visible until a few hours before sunrise.
June–August: The Milky Way is easily viewable any time after the sun sets.
September–November: The early evening is the best time to view the Milky Way during these months.
Perseids Meteor Shower
One of the most spectacular celestial events of the year, the Perseid meteor shower lights up Moab's Dark skies every summer with streaks of light dancing across the sky. Typically peaking in Mid-August, this dazzling display is best viewed after midnight and before dawn.
The Summer Triangle
This easy-to-spot star pattern helps guide stargazers to three distinct constellations: Lyra the Hard, Cygnus the Swan, and Aquila the Eagle. Look for Vega, Deneb, and Altai–the triangle's three brightest stars–shining high in the summer sky above Moab's dark desert.
Tips for a Stellar Night
Ready for your celestial adventure? A little preparation goes a long way when counting stars. Follow these tips to make the most of your night out.
Plan your stargazing when the moon is at its darkest.
Allow your eyes to adjust (this can take 20-30 minutes!)
Avoid using your phone and turn off your car headlights. Red flashlights or headlamps help preserve your eyes' night vision if you need light when hiking.
Bring blankets, portable folding chairs, snacks and plenty of water. Remember, pack out whatever you pack in.
When photographing the stars, never use artificial light sources to illuminate landscapes, rock formations, or other park features; it is against the law.
