Explore your own backyard: See what San Juan skies have to offer

Explore your own backyard: See what San Juan skies have to offer


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San Juan is the largest of Utah's 29 counties and contains a western border that drops off at the Green and Colorado River canyons, southern and eastern edges that meet at Four Corners, and in between you'll find Monument Valley, Hovenweep, Canyonlands and more.

San Juan County is full of adventure and along with it is some of the world's best star gazing. In fact, did you know that in the city, you're lucky to be able to see 500 stars on a dark night? Compare that with the 15,000 you can see from isolated areas, and you'll realize what a difference location makes to stargazing.

Luckily, you don't have to travel far to make the most of your stargazing this summer. Here are a few reasons it's great to have access to the wild and beautiful outdoors of Utah at night.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

Natural Bridges National Monument has some of the darkest skies in the nation

When it comes to stargazing, the best environment is always the darkest, which is why if you're in the neighborhood of San Juan County, Utah, you'll want to take a visit to Natural Bridges National Monument.

Named one of the 10 best places to stargaze in Utah by the Salt Lake Tribune, this monument has made preserving the night sky a priority because "light pollution affects more than just astronomers," according to the National Park Service. "Nocturnal animals need darkness for survival, and the circadian rhythms of humans and plants rely on an unaltered night sky."

Photo credit: Utah's Canyon Country

The Natural Bridges National Monument has been certified by the International Dark-Sky Association and provides a unique vantage for visitors interested in a front-row seat to a framed portrait of the sky through the bridge's natural window. You'll be treated to a view of the Milky Way Galaxy so bright, you'll imagine there must be a spotlight shining across the sky. Twice-weekly, Ranger-led Dark Sky Programs are offered at Natural Bridges May through September.

Looking for some other fun in Utah? Checkout these adventures and activities.

  • Moab: Moab Offroad Triathlon. Long- and short-course distance racing.
  • Kanab: "A Canyon People's Portrait." A multimedia symphonic storytelling concert for everyone.
  • Bryce Canyon: Spring is in the air and hoodoos explode with brilliant color.
  • Cedar City: Fun times for all at Brian Head Ski Resort with the Spring Ski Carnival.
  • Flaming Gorge: Fish with an expert.
  • Visit Dinosaurland: 100th anniversary of Dinosaur National Monument.
  • Castle Country: Something for everyone with ATVs, hiking, biking and more.
  • Heber Valley: One valley, endless possibilities.
  • Salt Lake City: "Once," the critically acclaimed Broadway play comes to Kingsbury Hall.
  • Box Elder: Enjoy a variety of productions in unique venues at the famous Regional Theatre.
  • Bear Lake: Check out the wildlife refuge.
  • Logan: Explore historic downtown, concerts, comedy and more.

You can book accommodations for your stargazing trips at utahscanyoncountry.com.

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Katie Nielsen for Utah's Canyon Country

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