One more place to enjoy near Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park is an excellent place for stargazing due to its clean air, high elevation, and minimal light pollution. It has been recognized as an official International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association, an organization that advocates for and preserves areas with exceptional night skies. When the sky is clear at Bryce Canyon, you can even catch a glimpse of the Andromeda Galaxy, located 2.2 million light-years away, according to the National Park Service.
In addition to going stargazing by yourself, the park offers ranger programs that enhance your nighttime experience. Rangers conduct 20-minute constellation tours during the summer season. These tours occur on Thursday through Saturday at 10, 10:30, and 11 p.m. They help you identify constellations and learn about astronomy. Another option is to join a Full Moon hike, available year-round during the full moon period, which lasts for one to two consecutive nights each month. The hikes cover up to 2 miles and offer both easy and strenuous paths. It’s important to note that attending the Full Moon hike requires a ticket, and ticket distribution follows a lottery system. Detailed instructions for obtaining tickets can be found on the hike’s webpage.