See the Night Sky

Sunrise Point is an easily accessible view with a 360 view of the night sky

NPS Photo / Keith Moore

Bryce Canyon is a sanctuary for natural darkness. Bryce Canyon's skies are so dark, that in 2019 the park was designated as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park. Since the park is open 24 hours a day, whether you head off to a viewpoint yourself, join a night sky ranger program, or attend a full moon hike, we welcome you to the dark side!

When to Come

If you're coming to see the Milky Way or a sky filled with stars you'll want to be mindful that there are seasons that provide the best viewing opportunities. One of the best times of year is June, which coincides with our Annual Astronomy Festival. Here are a couple tips:

Full Moons

If you're hoping to see the park under the bright light of a full moon, then be sure to plan a visit that will coincide with our full moon hike ranger programs. But if you're hoping to see lots of stars, you're better off coming closer to a new moon when the moon will have set with the sun and won't compete with the stars for brightness.

Milky Way

While you can see some part of the Milky Way year-round at this latitude, the most iconic and vibrant views are when the galactic center is visible in the sky. June through August will provide the best views in this regard if you're hoping to see the night sky not too long after sunset. If you're willing to be up at 4 a.m., well that changes things. Websites like Stellarium can help you predict what you might be seeing on the date and various times of your visit. Winter visitors have the rare distinction of seeing the outer bands of the Milky Way, which are relatively much dimmer. In this day and age, few people have ever seen the Milky Way. A fraction of a fraction of those people have been in a place so dark that they can see the winter Milky Way.

Recommended Viewpoints

Sunrise Point
Requires a short walk to the viewpoint, but provides a nearly 360 degree view with relatively little light pollution from nearby Tropic and Bryce Canyon City.
Inspiration Point
Very close to its parking lot (in case it's cold) with the opportunity for 360 degree views at higher viewpoints.
Whiteman Bench Picnic Area (Mile 9.5 of the 18 mile road)
According to darkness readings, this is one of the darkest places in the whole park. 
Yovimpa Point
A grand view looking south with only very distant light pollution from Page, AZ.

Astrophotography

If you're looking for opportunities to get some hoodoos in the foreground of your night sky shots, consider these trails:
Queen's Garden Trail
Good views with hoodos to the south, east, and west
Navajo Loop
Good views with tall fins of rock and some hoodoos to the east and north.

Details

Activity

Stargazing

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

• Pets are permitted on all paved surfaces in the park: campgrounds, parking lots, paved roads, paved viewpoint areas, on the paved trail between Sunset Point and Sunrise Point, and on the paved Shared Use Path between the park entrance and Inspiration Point.
• Pets are not permitted on unpaved trails or viewpoints, in public buildings or on public transportation vehicles. These regulations also apply to pets that are carried.
• Pets must be on a leash at all times; the leash must be no longer than 6 feet.
• Pet owners may not leave pet(s) unattended or tied to an object. Pets may not be left in vehicles while their owners hike. Be aware that idling and generator use is not permitted in park parking lots.
• Pets may not make unreasonable noise.
• Pet owners are required to pick-up after their pets (excrement and other solid waste).

Activity Fee

Yes

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Night

Accessibility Information

Viewpoints provide paved, flat surfaces accessible to all. Trails will vary. Visit our Accessibility page for more information.