Stargazing in Zion

The Milky Way can be seen over Zion Canyon in the summer.

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.

• 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.

• Snacks: At night, there is no access to food in Zion. Plan to bring all the food and water you need.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Details

Activity

Stargazing

Experience the wonder of the night sky among towering cliffs, rugged slickrock, and expansive plateaus throughout Zion National Park. 

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!

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are allowed, on leash, on roadways, campgrounds, the Museum patio, and on the Pa'rus Trail. 

Activity Fee

No

Park entrance fees apply. 

Location

Zion Human History Museum Patio

You can enjoy dark night skies throughout Zion National Park! While you are stargazing, please stay on trails and in parking areas, pack out your trash, and reduce your noise. The park does not close at night, but some areas may not be accessible year-round. 
 

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.

Reservations

No

Time of Day

Night

Accessibility Information

Both the Pa'rus Trail and the Zion Human History Museum patio are ADA accessible. Seating is available in both locations. The ADA trailhead for the Pa'rus Trail begins from the overflow parking lot next to the South Campground Amphitheater. The trail that connects the Pa'rus to the Museum is not ADA accessible as it is unpaved and includes a series of stairs. 

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.