Cosmic Ways to Explore the Starry Skies in Utah, USA

Utah, in the US, is home to the largest concentration of certified International Dark Sky Parks (26 in total) making it a first-class destination for stargazing and astro-tourism. The small town of Bluff recently became Utah’s newest Dark Sky Community by Dark Sky International on 24 June 2025. This prestigious certification recognises the dedicated efforts of Bears Ears Partnership, Town of Bluff, and community advocates committed to protecting the natural night environment. Off the back of this prestigious designation, Bluff will host its first Dark Sky Festival from 14-15 November 2025. This brand-new event will not only highlight western ways of looking at the stars, but the Indigenous perspective on the night sky on the land considered sacred to them.

According to Campaign to Protect Rural England, more than half of the UK population struggles to count more than 120 stars due to light pollution. As a part of The Great Western Starry Way of the Intermountain West, Utah’s minimal light-pollution along with its spectacular National and State Parks makes it a top-tier destination for nocturnal experiences.

Stargazing can help with mental wellness: it’s shown to help ease stress, boost creativity, regulate the circadian rhythm, and raise self-esteem. However, the benefits of astro-tourism don’t just impact humans’ well-being, but preserve the migration patterns of wildlife in unique ecosystems; keeping the local natural habitat intact and safe to thrive.

With more travellers interested in booking astro-tourism holidays, communities across Utah have expanded their nocturnal experiences to teach visitors about the remarkable dark skies from the locals that help preserve them. From learning how the Navajo use the night sky for guidance and attending a new stargazing workshop at one of Utah’s spectacular State Parks, to joining a ranger-led Dark Sky programme across the state, there is much to discover in Utah after dark.

New Experiences

NEW: Learn about the constellations directly from the local Indigenous Peoples at Bluff’s first Dark Sky Festival in Utah, the US
A small town in southeastern Utah, home to roughly 300 people and considered sacred by the Indigenous Peoples, became Utah’s newest International Dark Sky Community by DarkSky International on 24 June 2025. Off the back of this prestigious designation, Bluff will host its first Dark Sky Festival on 14-15 November 2025. During the festival, visitors will be able to deepen their understanding of the cosmos while learning directly from the Indigenous Peoples. The Navajo, who have been studying the constellations for centuries, are now sharing their traditions, wisdom, and fascinating stories with visitors looking to learn about their culture and perspective. The festival lineup will include Elder Don Mose Jr.  Don, a professional Navajo Storyteller, who will tell the Navajo Winter Story of ‘Coyote and the Stars’ followed by a star party, telescope viewings and constellation tours across the two-day event. For those who wish to extend their time, visitors can go on a stargazing road trip to three International Dark Sky Parks - Goosenecks State Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Natural Bridges National Monument – all within an hour’s drive of Bluff. A week’s stay at Bluff Dwellings Resort & Spa, from 11 November 2025, in a king room sleeping four, costs from $169 / £127 per person per night, and includes a private patio or balcony to take in the stunning views of the awe-inspiring red rock landscape. Return flights from London Heathrow to Salt Lake cost from £885 per person with Delta.
Bluff’s Dark Sky Festival: www.bluffutah.org/bluff-dark-sky-festival/

NEW: Don't miss the opportunity to experience stargazing with Pendry Park City in Park City, Utah
The five-star Pendry Park City, in Park City, Utah, now offers a spectacular, private, Dark Sky Stargazing & Mythology experience for those keen to learn more about the night sky. During this three-hour workshop, guests will join their Compass Adventure Guide for an evening of stargazing, storytelling, and adventure at a local State Park. Utah’s State Parks are certified International Dark Sky locations, with many boasting the darkest skies in the state, resulting from the surrounding hillsides and mountains providing a blockade for any surrounding light exposure. So, sit back and enjoy an evening under the stars and journey into the celestial past. The private experience costs from $500 / £375 for up to two guests. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. A week’s stay at Pendry Park City, in a double room sleeping two, costs from $297 / £222 per night.
Pendry Park City: www.pendry.com/park-city/  

Tours

NEW: Observe far away galaxies at University of Utah’s new Willard Eccles Astronomy Observatory in Salt Lake City, Utah
Get a front-row seat to Utah’s stars when attending a free star party on clear Wednesday nights at the University of Utah’s new Willard Eccles Astronomy Observatory, replacing the South Physics Observatory, in Salt Lake City. Guests of all ages can look through telescopes pointed at galaxies, nebulae, stars, moons, planets, and clusters while experts provide a fun and enjoyable experience sharing their insight about the universe and how it works. Due to open on 29 October 2025.
University of Utah’s Willard Eccles Astronomy Observatory: www.physics.utah.edu/weao/

Admire the cosmos at the renowned HALO Observatory at Compass Rose Lodge with Southwest Adventure Tours
Experience the stunning dark skies of Northern Utah while staying in Salt Lake City with Southwest Adventure Tours’ newest programme, Salt Lake Compass Rose Dark Sky Excursion. Having launched in spring 2025, this tour offers a seamless experience from the Salt Lake City to the stars in Huntsville, Utah, where lies the renowned HALO Observatory at Compass Rose Lodge. Here, guests will navigate the night sky with a knowledgeable host and a state-of-the-art 16-inch Ritchey-Chrétien telescope to understand the stars, planets, Milky Way, and the mysteries of Outer space. This telescope is no ordinary telescope, it mirrors the design of the Hubble Space Telescope, which minimises distortion, offering unparalleled clarity when exploring the cosmos. Departing every Thursday evening from Salt Lake City, prices start from $145 / £109 per person and include a professional local guide plus hotel pickup and drop-off (from select hotels) in a comfortable vehicle. This small group tour has a maximum of 13 guests.
Southwest Adventure Tours: www.southwestadventuretours.com

Walk amongst the Gods in Utah on a sunset tour with Ancient Wayves in Valley of the Gods, Utah
Visit one of the least-trodden areas in Southern Utah, Valley of the Gods, located in Bears Ears National Monument, at the peak of its picturesque red rock beauty with Indigenous company, Ancient Wayves. Explore this unique landscape of sandstone formations and prominent buttes in this quiet part of Utah with outstanding sunset views. Unlike Monument Valley, where visitors need travel permits to explore on foot, these travel restrictions don’t apply in Valley of the Gods, meaning visitors can roam freely with their guide while learning about the fascinating monolithic rocks. Plus, guests will be treated with spectacular photo stops including a bird's eye view of the Valley of the Gods, Monument Valley, Mexican Hat and Utah’s distant mountain ranges before returning to Bluff. Prices start from $275 / £205 per person and include an expert local guide on a three-hour tour to the best viewpoints in the area.
Ancient Wayves: www.tourancientwayves.com

Lodging

NEW: Under Canvas adds new safari-style tent just for kids in Moab, Utah
Under Canvas continues to preserve the night sky with a new safari-style tent for kids in Moab as part of their massive $50 Million plan to improve the guest experience. The new tents are designed with wooden decks, starry night nightlights, and enchanting string lights to create a magical, celestial experience for the whole family. Now offering 14 safari-inspired glamping locations (four within Utah), its tents include amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, plush king-size beds, and wood-burning stoves for chilly nights. In 2023, Under Canvas Zion, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, and Moab – all in Utah – were recognised as the world’s first official Dark Sky-certified resorts for their outstanding commitment to preserving the nighttime environment. A night’s stay costs from $527 / £395 for a Safari Deluxe Kid Tent (sleeping four) and includes a king-size bed and adjacent kids’ tent with two twin beds, bean bag chairs, and a private porch. Under Canvas: https://www.undercanvas.com/

Sleep under the stars at Outpost-X for a ‘sci-fi desert’ wellness escape in Southern Utah
Designed by Travis Chambers, a rather eccentric visionary, Outpost-X is a ‘sci-fi desert’ themed immersive glamping experience that gives its guests the opportunity to completely switch off as they play a part in a new, mythical world. Outpost-X comprises 10 glamorous units on 240-acres of desert with four areas (Zen Domes, Caves, X Spa and Common Area) near Southern Utah’s National Parks. It merges movie set with hotel, as it sits on a seasonally dry lakebed that turns into a cracked clay landscape in summer, reminiscent of a barren sci-fi desert. Outpost-X is fully off-grid and self-sufficient, thanks to solar panels and septic systems; work will also begin on a water reservoir and poplar forest (complete with mycelium) creating a lush woodland that attracts wildlife and retains moisture. Prices start at $129 / £96 per night (this includes access to all grounds and common areas).
Outpost-X: www.outpost-x.com/

Stay at America’s first glass-dome resort near Bryce Canyon National Park
Clear Sky Resorts, a one-of-a-kind resort and America’s first and only glass-dome resort, located off Utah Highway 12, is nestled in a private 80-acre canyon, near Bryce Canyon National Park (a certified International Dark Sky Park). The complex features Sky Domes, with floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing guests to sleep in an aquarium of stars. Each dome has luxury furnishings, opulent beds, modern bathrooms, sleek kitchenettes, and privacy blackout curtains. The resort is also home to Sky Nova Café Bar & Grill, which has an impressive 28-foot floor-to-ceiling wall of panoramic glass overlooking the spectacular scenery, making it one of the largest glass dome restaurants in the world. A night’s stay costs from $296.25 / £221.29 per dome (sleeping two).
Clear Sky Resorts: www.clearskyresorts.com/

Stargaze in comfort at Mirror House Rentals at East Zion Resort, Utah
With increasing populations, high demand for housing, a desire for financial freedom, and the chance to be greener, there is a growing trend for tiny homes. Stay at Mirror House Rentals at East Zion Resort, which has debuted stand-alone tiny homes adorned with mirrored facades designed to blend into the surroundings and offer stargazing in style. Having opened last year, the accommodation showcases contemporary king beds, ensuite bathrooms, useful kitchen appliances including a microwave and refrigerator, plus electricity, air conditioning and heating so guests can sleep comfortably whatever the weather. Heated floors add an extra level of comfort. After exploring Zion National Park, unwind on the private patio – taking in the mountains, trees, and town beyond – and light the gas fire pit for warmth or the propane grill for a barbeque. Alternatively, stroll down the hill where the pool and hot tubs await. A night’s stay costs from $133 / £99 per Mirror House (sleeping two).
East Zion Resort: www.eastzionresort.com/mirror-house-rentals

For more information on Utah, please visit: www.visitutah.com