This article was originally published in the Outdoors print issue of The Daily Utah Chronicle, originally in stands on September 23, 2024. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.
The photogenic nature of Utah should not come as a surprise. The state is enveloped in a grandiose set of mountains and other geological structures that have become recognized chapters in the earth’s autobiography and draw artists and tourists into their presence.
However, there is a secret dark attraction that whispers into the night air, only not every person knows where to listen. The secret is about the stars, not in a sci-fi sort of way, but instead in the way that recognizes Utah as home to the highest number of Dark Sky-certified locations for stargazing internationally.
Over 80% of Americans live in places that make it nearly impossible to appreciate the beauty of the night due to lack of seclusion from light, however, as University of Utah students, we are fortunate to be within hours of perfect stargazing canopies.
Antelope Island State Park
Speaking of Utah’s wonders, Antelope Island is the largest of 10 islands that sit within one of Utah’s most unique physical landmarks — Great Salt Lake. As the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, it serves as a home to Salt Lake City’s very own Dark Sky haven. When the lake’s water level is at its lowest, Antelope Island becomes promontory and cascades out over the water.
It is the perfect place to spend the night under the stars because, at under two hours away from campus, it is one of the closest certified Dark Sky parks to Salt Lake City. It is the perfect day trip location that ends with a spectacular sunset view descending below Buffalo Peak.
Antelope Island offers an empty plain of 42 square miles that is perfect for taking in all of the stars that the night has to show.
East Canyon State Park
Certified Dark Sky Park East Canyon provides one of the best views of the night sky within driving distance of campus. Sitting just 35 miles from Salt Lake City, the mountains shield the viewing location from any light protruding from the city that might obstruct the view of the stars.
For U students, East Canyon is the perfect last minute activity that is met with a one-of-a-kind experience. The park holds dark sky parties throughout the year equipped with telescopes so that guests have the opportunity to experience a panorama of constellations.
North Fork Park
Just a hop, skip and a jump north of campus, Ogden is home to the stargazing cornucopia of North Fork Park. The park is tucked into the mouth of the canyon and has become a local treasure. Efforts to obscure the park from the light of the valley have caused it to become one of the premiere stargazing destinations north of Salt Lake City. The park is unique in a sea of Dark Sky parks due to its access to wildlife and its distance from any urban centers.
Due to local efforts that have resulted in partial light pollution blockage combined with mountain obstruction, the park is one of the only places near an urban setting where the Milky Way is still visible to the naked eye. Since most of the population of North America is prevented from this due to both air and light pollution, a trip to North Fork is a rare and worthwhile experience.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Timpanogos Cave found fame in the state of Utah through its unique array of underground chambers embellished with stalactites and stalagmites. The park offers guided cave tours in each of the three caves which come as a reward at the top of a strenuous 1.5 mile hike.
However, above ground the monument has been given another designation. The wondrous cave attraction is officially the first National Park Service unit to be certified as an Urban Night Sky Place. The Park Service has worked to partner with astronomy enthusiasts to create night sky programs in American Fork Canyon, which sitting about 40 miles south of campus, is at arms reach for aspiring U stargazers.
When the stress of school seems to boil over and homework towers over the mountains that surround our sweet state, the fact that we are able to look to the Dark Sky places for a reprieve is part of what makes this state so unique.
These are just a few of the over 24 Dark Sky Certified places that Utah harbors, which is the highest concentration in the world. The darkness of the Utah night might appear vast and daunting, but there is beauty beneath its majesty, if you know where to look.
