Hobbies And Interests
Natural Bridges
According to the International Dark Sky Association, Natural Bridges National Monument, located near Lake Powell, may not just be the best place to view stars in Utah, it may be the best in the entire United States. The park is the first to earn the designation of International Dark Sky Park. The park has done much to reduce its own light pollution in switching to downward-facing light bulbs
Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park has long been considered a top star gazing draw. USA Today says the park "probably has the darkest skies in the continental U.S." and that stars usually invisible to the naked eye can be viewed at Bryce Canyon. In addition to its night-viewing opportunities, the park also provides educational programs and its own staff of star-loving guides called Dark Rangers. A four-day astronomy festival takes place there every year.
Stansbury Park Observatory
The home base of the Salt Lake Astronomical Society, the Stansbury Park Observatory Complex houses several large telescopes. Although there is more light pollution in this area, since it is only about 35 miles west of Salt Lake City, the observatory has a training program and interested parties can reserve one of the complex's larger telescopes.
Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park, which derives its name from the odd shapes of the surrounding rock formations, is ranked among the darkest sky areas of Utah by Clear Dark Sky. Overnight camping is available in this remote park, which allows visitors to let the darkness develop and provide optimal skies.