Forget TikTok and sourdough bread. Stargazing is the new go-to activity for people looking for a lift during these contentious times.

After an emotionally taxing year, looking to the heavens is a good way to practice some much-needed mindfulness. In an article for Forbes, astronomer Mark Westmoquette discussed the mental health benefits of pausing to take in the beauty of the night sky.

“When we concentrate on the here and now, on the act of looking up at the majesty and grandeur of the starry sky, then our worries simply disappear—even if just momentarily,” said Westmoquette.

And while most Americans see fewer than 500 stars in urban city environments, here in southeastern Utah, you can see up to 15,000 stars in the desert landscapes of San Juan County—Utah’s Canyon Country. The combination of a small population with a vast landscape leads to an unforgettable view of the night sky that amazes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Home to three International Dark Sky Parks and one Dark Sky Sanctuary, the southeast corner of the state is known for its exceptional starry night skies and nocturnal environment.

But it’s something you have to see for yourself.

If you’re trying to find a way to fill in the few remaining weeks of summer, be sure to visit these four Dark Sky Parks.

Natural Bridges National Monument

For a clear view of the heavens like you’ve never seen before, you’ll want to include Natural Bridges National Monument on your bucket list. Though the stunning natural bridges and canyon hikes make for a memorable daytime experience, those who don’t wait for nightfall are missing out.

“On a clear night—and there are many each year in this dry, rugged land—the park’s dreamy night sky reveals the Milky Way galaxy and a jillion or so stars and planets,” states the National Park Service. Its beauty, lack of light pollution, and commitment to preserving the night sky as a natural resource led to the monument’s designation as the first International Dark Sky Park in the world.

You can even turn the trip into a more educational experience if you’re interested in furthering your astronomical knowledge. In the summertime, ranger-led astronomy programs are available for any visitors who want to learn more about the thousands of stars in the sky.

Canyonlands National Park

The National Park Service reports that the skies at Canyonlands National Park are so clear, you may even see the rings of Saturn through regular binoculars if conditions are right.

The park was designated as a Dark Sky Park in 2015 to bring awareness to the starry night skies. According to the International Dark-Sky Association, “Canyonlands is in a highly defensible location with little artificial light pollution.”

Through the designation, the association not only wants visitors to enjoy the night sky but also to be aware of its rare and fragile state as something worth defending.

Hovenweep National Monument

Designated in 2014, Hovenweep National Monument is a deserted valley of Ancestral Puebloan Ruins that are said to define a solar calendar device used in their agricultural communities.

With a low population density and geographic isolation, this park was designated as a Gold-tier Dark-Sky Park, meaning that it has the darkest night skies that offer a monumental experience no one can forget.

Hovenweep trails are open sunrise to sunset each day and stargazing is allowed from the visitor center parking lot and campground.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument

Here’s one that will take a little extra effort to reach, but the reward will be worth it. Rainbow Bridge is the tallest natural bridge in the world and can only be reached by personal boats or watercraft. Formed during the glacial period, the bridge holds sacred significance for Native American tribes in the area and provides a jaw-dropping site for visitors.

As a certified Dark Sky Sanctuary as of 2018, Rainbow Bridge is an amazing location to witness the wonders of the night sky with up to 15,000 stars in view.

9 activities in southeastern Utah your family will love

While you're in southeastern Utah for the dark skies, keep yourself busy during the day with these fun activities.

Visit Utah’s Canyon Country

In addition to Dark Sky Parks, Utah’s Canyon Country offers plenty more for visitors to do and see. You can go rock climbing, float the San Juan River, or hike, bike, or drive through the beautiful area.

For help planning your trip, including all information related to COVID-19 safety precautions, visit Utah’s Canyon Country website.

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