Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Stargazing in Zion

NPS/Salah Ahmed
Many Zion visitors like to stay for sunset to take photos of cliffs glowing vivid orange in the late day sun. Then, as the last sunlight fades from the sky, a steady stream of cars file out of the park toward homes, hotels, and other destinations. But for those few who stay later or spend the night nearby, an entirely different and memorable Zion experience awaits: the dark night sky, filled with thousands of stars, above the jagged silhouette of cliffs.
Zion is a great place to connect with the night sky, whether you are an avid astrophotographer or this will be your first view of the Milky Way. As an International Dark Sky Park, Zion protects our incredible dark skies for present and future generations by not degrading the night with artificial light. This means that after sunset, the park is very dark. Be prepared!
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Check the Moon phase.
When the Moon is above the horizon, its light will wash out fainter features of the night sky, including the Milky Way. Plan to stargaze before the Moon rises or after the Moon sets. Search "Moon rise and set time in Springdale, Utah" online to get Moon rise and set times during your visit. The darkest nights always occur during the week leading up to a New Moon.
Pack stargazing essentials.
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Clothing layers: Although days in Zion can be scorching hot, the desert becomes chilly once the sun goes down. Bring jackets and blankets to stay warm.
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Snacks: At night, there is no access to food in Zion. Plan to bring all the food and water you need.
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Red light:. White light, including car headlights, cell phones screens, and headlamps, will impair your night vision. It takes your eyes 20-30 minutes to adjust to the dark after seeing white light! Red light has much less impact on your night vision, so use only red light or a white light source covered with red cellophane.
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A star map: If you are curious about what you are looking at while stargazing, consider packing a planisphere (a paper star map) or downloading a phone app before arriving at Zion. Do not plan on having cell service in the park.
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Binoculars or a telescope: This is optional, but if you have binoculars or a telescope, consider bringing them! Viewing a magnified night sky is a different and wondrous experience.
Have a plan for where to sleep.
Camping is only allowed at designated campsites or with some Wilderness permits, so make sure to plan for where you will sleep after enjoying the park’s night sky.
Zion protects dark skies by only using artificial lighting when and where needed. This means that the park is very dark after sunset. Be prepared:
- Check the moon phase. The light of the moon makes it difficult to see some features of the night sky, like the Milky Way. Plan to stargaze before the moon rises or after the moon sets.
- Pack stargazing essentials. Bring extra layers, food and water, and red lights. Do not use white light because it will ruin your night vision.
- Wait for full dark. The night sky is darkest 1.5 hours after sunset until 1.5 hours before sunrise.
- Give your eyes time to adjust. Spend 20-30 minutes without looking at any white light, including cellphone and camera screens. You’ll be amazed how many more stars are visible!
Zion Canyon Pa'rus Trail Zion Human History Museum patio |
Kolob Terrace Road Lava Point Overlook Wildcat Canyon Trailhead Left Fork Trailhead |
East Side Checkerboard Mesa pullout |
Kolob Canyons Timber Creek parking lot |
Camping is only allowed in designated campsites or with some Wilderness permits. Plan for where you will sleep after stargazing.
These locations are all outside of Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and are open to drivers year-round. Destinations on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive are only accessible by shuttle for most of the year. Check the shuttle schedule before you make plans to stargaze along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive.
Although you can see the Milky Way from anywhere in Zion, the darkest skies are on the east side of the park and along Kolob Terrace Road. As you travel, please be careful not to hit nocturnal wildlife on roadways. All of these locations have access to restrooms except for Checkerboard Mesa Pullout.
If you are planning on bringing a personal telescope, consider setting it up at Checkerboard Mesa Pullout, Lava Point Overlook, or Timber Creek Parking Lot. These three locations have wide views of the sky and flat ground to set-up a telescope.
All recommended stargazing locations are maintained little to no slope or elevation change. Most are paved.
The view from Lava Point Overlook can be accessed either from the parking area or by following a short, flat, unpaved trail to a fenced overlook.