Utah’s Zion National Park is renowned for its stunning landscapes and natural wonders. However, it is increasingly gaining recognition as an extraordinary place for stargazing.
The National Park Service (NPS) and the International Dark Sky Association have officially designated Zion National Park as an International Dark Sky Park. This significant designation acknowledges the park’s high-quality night skies and creates more opportunities for visitors to appreciate them through various programs aimed at promoting stargazing. The initiative is crafted to protect the night sky by advocating responsible outdoor lighting and providing public education, thereby positioning Zion as a prime location for night sky observation.
“Zion National Park is committed to conserving the park’s night skies for all future generations and educating visitors about the values of this important resource,” stated Jeff Bradybaugh, park superintendent.
The NPS emphasizes that many people visit Zion to witness sunsets that bathe its iconic cliffs in a beautiful orange glow. Nonetheless, the night skies that unfold for visitors and campers can be equally breathtaking, often revealing the brilliance of the Milky Way. For practical tips on stargazing, refer to the park’s stargazing guidelines here.
The very first site within the National Park Service to receive this esteemed certification was Utah’s Natural Bridges National Monument in 2007. Presently, Zion joins a growing list of sites in Utah recognized as International Dark Sky Places, which includes several other National Park Service units and state parks. In December, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota achieved dark sky park status, while Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado received its designation in April.
