Canyonlands is one of many parks in southern Utah with the International Dark Sky Park designation. Visitors come from all over the world to attend night sky ranger programs and to experience the dark skies they never see at home.
Explore Arches National ParkOne of the main reasons people come to Moab is to visit one of the most beautiful National Parks of the United States – Arches NP. So if you only have one day in Moab, the best thing to do is to explore Arches National Park.
Bryce Canyon National ParkFar from the light pollution of civilization, and protected by a special force of park rangers and volunteer Utah astronomy enthusiasts, Bryce Canyon is known as the last grand sanctuary of natural darkness and has one of the nation's oldest astronomy programs.
Night rides are offered during a two week period from waxing half moon to waning half moon, from April through September. Click here for moon phase calculation. The most popular and well-known roads and trails around Moab are deserted after dark year round.
This is the perfect place to stay for nature lovers who don't like big crowds and prioritize outdoor activities over city nightlife. If you take a guided tour in Downtown Moab, odds are they will take you to explore the off-road trails and out-of-this-world viewpoints of Canyonlands National Park.
It's especially popular for astrophotography because, on many summer nights, the Milky Way can be seen in all its glory hovering above the arch. Set on the edge of a breathtaking canyon, this incredible overlook provides a panoramic view of the night sky, offering a spectacular stargazing experience.