Springdale’s Night Sky Puts on an Unforgettable Show — You Can Have a Front-Row Seat

The night sky evokes a sense of awe and wonder in anyone who gazes at it. Even with light pollution, the little twinkles of stars we can see are mesmerizing, but if you want to see more than the brightest stars in the sky, head to a destination known for its dark skies. These include designated International Dark Sky Parks and Communities, which you'll find in one Southern Utah town. If you love gazing up at the night sky for a dazzling celestial show, visit the International Dark Sky Community of Springdale, Utah, also home to Zion National Park, a designated International Dark Sky Park.

How is Springdale, Utah, an International Dark Sky Community?

Home to nearly 600 residents, Springdale is a small town that serves as the gateway to Zion National Park. The town has a thriving tourism industry, which serves millions of people coming here to visit its revered national park.

To qualify as a designated International Dark Sky Community or an International Dark Sky Park, specific criteria must be met, and efforts must be made to reduce light pollution. Designated as an International Dark Sky Place on July 20, 2023, the town of Springdale, with the help of the community, "has taken action over the last several years to reverse light pollution and preserve the night sky." Lighting standards have been established for businesses and residents, and new dark-sky-compliant streetlights have been installed throughout the town. Its commitment to decreasing light pollution is what's making Springdale more popular for stargazing.

Springdale also promotes dark sky programs, events, and activities, inviting residents and visitors alike to learn about the Milky Way and enjoy the wonder of being under a dark night sky with minimal light pollution. Not only is the dark sky incredible for tourists to experience, but it also benefits a variety of nocturnal wildlife and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Stargazing Tours near Springdale, Utah

If you're in Springdale to explore Zion National Park, you should add a stargazing tour to your visit. While you can certainly find a spot somewhere in and around Springdale and the park, you'll get more out of the experience if you reserve a spot on a tour. One local company, Stargazing Zion, is your best bet for a remarkable and informative celestial encounter.

On a Zion Professional Stargazing Tour, you'll meet at a designated location near the western border of Zion National Park. Once everyone arrives, the guides, who are professional astronomers, will lead the group on a 10-minute walk to the dark sky location set up for the best possible stargazing experience.

You'll have your own blanket as well as a Yogibo seat (a bean bag chair) to comfortably lounge on as you gaze up at the night sky. You'll also have use of your own pair of Celestron Outland X Binoculars and a handheld Celestron Astro Night Vision Flashlight. Using laser pointers, the group's astronomy guide will point out planets, constellations, the planets, and other celestial objects.

State-of-the-art telescopes like a Celestron, Sky-Watcher, Unistellar eVscope, and Explore Scientific, will be available to use during the 120-minute astronomy program. The telescopes will allow tour guests to get a much closer view of the objects in our galaxy.

Dark sky tours with Stargazing Zion typically start just after or around sunset and last approximately two hours. You will be notified, however, if there is a time change due to weather or some other event.

Are you ready to explore the dark skies above Springdale and Zion National Park in Utah? Book your spot on a stargazing tour with Stargazing Zion. With experts guiding the way around the Milky Way, I can't think of a better way to see and learn about the night sky, and I look forward to joining this tour the next time I visit Zion. How about you?

For additional dark sky places, please take a look at our list of the best stargazing places in the U.S. From Crater Lake National Park in Oregon to Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania, you can find dark sky destinations in every region of our country.