Discover the Best Stargazing Spots and Tips Near SLC
Updated 2/6/2026
There’s something magical about the stars that brings out our inner explorers. If you’re looking for some of the best places in the US to see stars, you're in for a treat because Utah has some of the greatest dark sky areas on Earth! According to the International Dark-Sky Association, Utah is home to the most certified dark sky parks and places on the planet. If gazing into the night sky or catching a real-life view of the Milky way is on your bucket list, it might be time to plan a trip to Utah. Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience, quite literally.
Why Salt Lake is Perfect for Stargazing
Salt Lake might be known for its outdoor adventures and bustling urban scene, but did you know it's also a prime destination for astro tourism? Thanks to its high elevation and relatively low levels of light pollution (especially as you move away from the city), the county offers some stunningly clear skies perfect for stargazing. Plus some of the certified dark sky parks are less than an hour drive from Salt Lake. For a first time astro-tourist, it can be a great place to get your feet wet and enjoy some magnificent stars. You can even stay right in the heart of Salt Lake and merely make a day trip, or shall we say “night trip,” and then head back to a cozy bed in the heart of a bustling city. It makes for a pretty unique star-gazing experience. Here are some of the places we recommend close to Salt Lake:
Antelope Island State Park
Just outside of Salt Lake County, is a spot too good to miss. Antelope Island is part of the International Dark Sky Parks, meaning it's certified to have minimal light pollution—perfect for spotting constellations, planets, and even the Milky Way. Plus, with the Great Salt Lake as a backdrop, it feels like you’re stargazing on another planet entirely. Antelope Island State Park hosts dark sky programs and events if you want to learn more about the night sky.
Emigration Canyon & East Canyon State Park
Just a short drive from downtown Salt Lake, Emigration Canyon offers a peaceful escape from city lights. The higher elevation means a clearer view of the night sky, where you can spot planets and constellations without interference from urban glow. Make it an evening with a picnic and enjoy the serenity of the canyon while the stars begin to twinkle overhead.
Enjoy the beautiful winding scenic drive through Emigration Canyon, as you head to East Canyon State Park. There you can watch the stars while sitting next to a glistening reservoir. This park also hosts dark sky parties throughout the year where they set up telescopes for viewing.
Big Cottonwood Canyon
If you're already enjoying a mountain adventure in Salt Lake County, stay a bit later and treat yourself to an evening of stargazing. Big Cottonwood Canyon provides sweeping mountain views by day, but when the sun goes down, it's all about the stars. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even spot a meteor or two darting across the sky.
Solitude Mountain Resort offers stargazing events in the summer. And in the winter you can round out an evening of night skiing at Brighton, with some après night-sky viewing.
Jordanelle State Park
Located on the east side of the Wasatch Mountains, the reservoir at Jordanelle State Park provides a great dark sky viewing with its hillsides and mountains blockading the surrounding city light pollution. Only about 35 minutes from Salt Lake, it's easily accessible and hosts an array of dark sky events.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Home to an expansive cave system with stalactite decorated caverns, Timpanogos Cave National Monument is the first National Park Service unit to be certified as an Urban Night Sky Place. The Park is open from late May to the end of October, usually, so check their website before you go. This experience is very unique as you can see the underground darkness in the cave followed by the expansive darkness of the galaxy.
Wheeler Historic Farm
If you want to stargaze without heading too far from the city, Wheeler Historic Farm in Salt Lake County offers wide open spaces and less light pollution than you'd expect. It might not be what you think of as a traditional stargazing spot, which makes this an unexpected but delightful option to add the magic of the stars to a day in Salt Lake.
Extended DayNight Trips
If you want to really get “out there” to see the stars, Utah has 29 dark sky certified areas across the state. From State parks like deadhorse point and goblin valley to national parks and monuments including Dinosaur and Rainbow Bridge National Monuments and Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks. Utah’s Dark Sky Parks page includes several itineraries to make the most of a trip from Salt Lake to see these spectacular places.
What Can You See?
What exactly can you expect to see when stargazing in near Salt Lake? Quite a lot, actually! Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, you could spot:
Constellations including Orion, Cassiopeia, and Ursa Major.
Planets such as Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn—sometimes even with visible rings if you have a good telescope!
Meteor showers like the Perseids (usually peaking in August), which can light up the night sky with dozens of shooting stars.
The Milky Way, sprawling across the sky like a galactic highway, especially visible in darker areas.
Astro Tourism Events and Experiences
For those looking to elevate their astro tourism experience, Salt Lake County has a few events and organized stargazing opportunities you won’t want to miss:
Star Parties
No, these aren't intergalactic galas (though that would be cool). Star parties are gatherings of amateur astronomers and stargazers where participants share telescopes, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the night sky. The Salt Lake Astronomical Society regularly hosts star parties at various locations, giving you a chance to view celestial objects through high-powered telescopes.
Solar Viewing at Clark Planetarium
For those who are curious about our very own star, the sun, the Clark Planetarium in downtown Salt Lake is a fantastic place to begin your dark sky journey. They offer solar viewing events where you can safely view solar flares and sunspots through specialized telescopes, and get insight into the wonders of our solar system’s brightest member. Experts at the planetarium can also help you plan the best place for your star gazing evening based on your goals and interests. While you’re there, check out a slew of other interactive science exhibits at this 10,000-square-foot planetarium.
When to Visit
The best part about night skies? They are a year-round activity, so you can experience the phenomena anytime of the year. We do recommend planning your dark sky trip in accordance to the moon cycles—particularly during or within a few days before or after the new moon. This is when the skies will be the darkest and the last thing you want are the stars to be washed out by the light of the full moon. With the new moon, you can experience not just the grandiose view of the Milky Way but even the faintest of celestial objects like dust lanes of the galaxy.
Tips for Stargazing in Salt Lake County
Stargazing might seem as simple as looking up, but there are a few tips to make your experience even better:
Check the moon phase: A full moon might be beautiful, but it can wash out many of the stars. A new moon is ideal for seeing the most celestial bodies.
Bring a red flashlight: For optimal star viewing, you want your eyes to adjust to the darkness as much as possible. Regular flashlights can ruin your night vision. A red flashlight preserves your ability to see in the dark and won’t interfere with your stargazing.
Bring binoculars or a telescope: you’ll have a spectacular viewing simply with the naked eye, but having these items can enhance your celestial viewing experience.
Dress warmly: Even in the summer, nights in Salt Lake County can get chilly. Layers are your best friend.
Come prepared: Most dark sky viewing places are away from the amenities of the city, so bring plenty of water, and snacks. Pro tip: bring a chair, blanket, and a warm thermos of your favorite hot beverage for the ultimate cozy experience.
Download a stargazing app: If you’re new to stargazing, apps like Star Walk or SkyView can help you identify constellations, planets, and other cosmic features by pointing your phone at the sky.
For even more details to help you plan your dark sky trip, check out Visit Utah’s Dark Skies Beginners Guide.
Start your Cosmic Journey Right in Salt Lake County
Stargazing near Salt Lake offers a unique way to connect with the universe, far beyond the busy streets and bright lights of city life. Whether you're an amateur astronomer, a family looking for a fun night out, or simply someone who enjoys a quiet moment under the stars, astro tourism here is a must-try. So, grab your telescope, pack a blanket, and get ready to be amazed by the stars.
For more trip planning ideas while you’re in Salt Lake, check out our trip planner page for all the things to know for your upcoming vacation.
