Welcome to the Dark Sky Passport
How Does the Dark Sky Passport Work?
- Go to a Dark Sky Place, or any place where you can see the stars
- Enjoy the great outdoors at night and connect with the cosmos
- Complete the activities in the Dark Sky Passport
- For each Dark Sky Place you visit:
- Describe your experience (see pages in the back of the Passport)
- Stamp your Passport with a Dark Sky Passport Stamp
- Share your experience with us at the link below to:
Want to order a Dark Sky Passport?
- Email us at DarkSkyPassport@usu.edu
Family viewing the Neowise Comet over Antelope Island State Park
Photo Credit: Ryan Andreasen
Milky Way over Capitol Reel National Park
Photo Credit: Ryan Andreasen
What Is a Dark Sky Place?
Dark Sky Places are parks, communities, and other areas committed to keeping night skies naturally dark by using “night-friendly” outdoor lighting pointing downward and away from neighbors.
Utah has more certified Dark Sky Places than any other state as recognized by DarkSky International, with 11 National Park units, 10 State Parks, 2 Communities, and 1 County Park.
Utah is famous for spectacular landscapes, an abundance of public land, and amazing dark skies. With good weather, the night skies can cover you in a blanket of stars. Many National and State Parks have astronomy programs that teach about the wonders of the night sky.
Dark Sky Places of Utah
NATIONAL PARKS
Arches NP
Bryce Canyon NP
Canyonlands NP
Capitol Reef NP
Zion NP
NATIONAL MONUMENTS
Cedar Breaks NM
Dinosaur NM
Hovenweep NM
Natural Bridges NM
Rainbow Bridge NM
Timpanogos Cave NM
STATE PARKS
Antelope Island SP
Dead Horse Point SP
East Canyon SP
Fremont Indian SP
Goblin Valley SP
Goosenecks SP
Jordanelle SP
Kodachrome Basin SP
Rockport SP
Steinaker SP
COMMUNITIES & LOCAL PARKS
Helper, UT
Springdale, UT
Torrey, UT
North Fork Park
Planning your Dark Sky Trip
Night Sky Program at Cedar Breaks National Monument
Photo Credit: Matthias Schmitt
Stargazing Tips
Astrophotography event at Antelope Island State Park
Photo Credit: Bettymaya Foott
Finding a Star Party
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Utah State Parks: Utah State Park Sky Events & Programs
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National Parks: the events page on any National Park’s website
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At Public Observatories or Planetariums
Petroglyph Site at Freemont Indian State Park
Photo Credit: Ryan Andreasen
Come to the Dark Side and Follow the Stars
Star party at Antelope Island State Park
Photo Credit: Ryan Andreasen
Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park
Photo Credit: Ryan Andreasen
Credits:
Funding for the Dark Sky Passport Program: USU Extension, Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Program Partners: National Park Service, DarkSky International, Utah State Parks, Utah Office of Tourism, Basin and Range Dark Sky Cooperative
Scientific Illustrator: Rob Soto (www.rob-soto.com/)
Photographers: Ryan Andreasen, Bettymaya Foott, Matthias Schmitt