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Capitol Reef National Park
Dark Sky Parks

Capitol Reef National Park

Wayne County, Utah, USABortle 2 Best in Spring, Fall

Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.

Gold Tier certified. Sits in the geographic center of Utah, far from any city. The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile wrinkle in the earth's crust, shields the horizon from distant light domes. The field above the visitor center is the primary astronomy viewing area. Capitol Reef runs one of the more active astronomy programs among Utah's national parks.

What's here

    On the map

    What to bring

    Our picks for a good night under the stars.

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    Beginner Telescope

    A grab-and-go refractor for first light.

    Shop pick →
    Red-Light Headlamp

    Preserve your night vision hands-free.

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    Stargazing Recliner

    Lie back and scan the whole sky in comfort.

    Shop pick →
    Star Chart App

    Identify what you are looking at in real time.

    Shop pick →

    Nearby in USA

    Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
    Bortle 2

    Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

    San Diego County, California, USA

    California's largest state park. Silver Tier desert darkness.

    Best in Fall, Winter, Spring
    Arches National Park
    Bortle 3

    Arches National Park

    Grand County, Utah, USA

    Gold Tier certified: sandstone arches make iconic Milky Way foregrounds.

    Best in Spring, Fall
    Big Bend National Park
    Bortle 1

    Big Bend National Park

    Brewster County, Texas, USA

    The darkest national park in the lower 48 and the first certified dark sky park in Texas.

    Best in Autumn