Last updated: March 19, 2019
Thing to Do
Stargaze at Panorama Point
How to Stargaze
Plan.
Even the light from a thin crescent moon can make it more difficult to see fainter stars or even the Milky Way. You'll see the darkest skies during a new moon or when the moon is below the horizon. Check sunrise and sunset times and moon phases at discovermoab.com.
Give yourself time.
It can take 20-30 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark. Spend enough time outside away from bright lights to allow your eyes to adjust.
Use a red light.
White lights from flashlights, cell phones, or vehicle headlights can harm your night vision. A red light won't impact your night vision as much. Many flashlights and headlamps have a red-light feature, or you can simply cover your white light with red cellophane.
Bring a star chart.
A star chart or planisphere can help you find the constellations and Milky Way.
Details
Duration
15-120 Minutes
Activity
Stargazing
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on roads and parking lots, but you may not take pets away from a road or on trails.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Panorama Point
Panorama Point is about 10 miles (16 km) from the park entrance.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Night
Accessibility Information
Panorama Point, the stargazing area, and the toilets are all accessible to wheelchairs.
Service animals are welcome. What is a service animal?
NPS/Chris Wonderly
Panorama Point offers wide-open views of the night sky. It's reasonably far from surrounding communities to provide natural darkness with excellent views of the Milky Way.
Park staff recently began work to create a night sky viewing area at Panorama Point. Benches will be available to lay back and enjoy the stars. Night sky ranger programs will be held at the point beginning in mid-2019.
The Windows Section and Balanced Rock can also make for excellent stargazing spots. The farther you are from Moab and the park entrance, the darker the night skies will be.