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The Best Stargazing Spots in Utah's Canyon Country
Utah’s Canyon Country is a stargazer’s dream. With its remote landscapes, high elevations and exceptionally dark skies, this corner of southeastern Utah offers some of the clearest, most awe-inspiring views of the cosmos in the continental U.S. Whether you’re camping under the stars, capturing long-exposure photos or just lying back and watching the Milky Way arc overhead, here are the best stargazing spots in Utah’s Canyon Country. 1. Natural Bridges National Monument As the first International Dark Sky Park designated by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2007, Natural Bridges National Monument sets the standard for stargazing. Located far from any urban areas, this monument offers a front-row seat to the cosmos. The stone bridges and canyons provide dramatic silhouettes against the sky, making it a favorite for night photographers. The visitor center occasionally hosts ranger-led stargazing programs, but even a quiet moment on your own beneath Sipapu Bridge can be one to remember. 2. Valley of the Gods Often referred to as a quieter cousin of Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods offers a remote, off-the-grid experience. Its scenic drive winds among towering sandstone buttes, mesas and spires—ideal for setting up camp and watching the stars emerge. The Milky Way is particularly vivid here, bright against the red rock background. For those seeking solitude and uninterrupted stargazing, this is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. 3. Goosenecks State Park Perched above a deeply carved bend in the San Juan River, Goosenecks State Park combines a stunning geological feature with unparalleled views of the night sky. Designated in 2021, Goosenecks is the most recently designated Dark Sky Park in Utah’s Canyon Country. The lack of trees or obstructions makes it easy to view the full expanse of the sky. With its remote location, it’s perfect for camping and late-night skywatching. 4. Hovenweep National Monument Straddling the Utah-Colorado border, Hovenweep National Monument is known for its well- preserved ancestral Pueblo structures—and it's phenomenal dark skies. The ancient structures add a beautiful foreground to the celestial show above. This is another certified International Dark Sky Park, and the quiet, isolated setting makes for a contemplative and immersive experience. Rangers sometimes host night sky programs to explore both the archaeology and astronomy of the region.
In Utah’s Canyon Country, the sky is more than a backdrop—it’s a destination. So pack your sleeping bag, bring a red flashlight and experience the magic of stargazing in one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
