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I've Stargazed All Over the U.S.--and This National Park Has Some of the Country's Best Night Sky Views

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 7:39 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Capitol Reef National Park: The Southwest’s Best Kept Secret for Star‑Gazers

Nestled between the red‑rocked mesas of Utah’s “Great Basin” and the rugged cliffs of Arizona, Capitol Reef National Park is best known for its sweeping “Waterpocket Fold,” a nearly 100‑mile‑long monocline that cuts through the desert floor. But beyond the park’s famed hoodoos and ancient cliff dwellings lies a different kind of treasure: a night sky so clear and unpolluted that it rivals the best observatories in the world. In a recent feature for Travel + Leisure, the park’s stargazing potential was front‑and‑center, drawing attention to the fact that Capitol Reef was designated an International Dark‑Sky Park in 2014—a title it shares with only a handful of other U.S. parks.

Why the Sky is So Brilliant Over Capitol Reef

There are three key reasons the night sky over Capitol Reef is a spectacle:

1. Remoteness and Low Light Pollution – The park sits roughly 80 mi from the nearest major city, and there are no significant sources of artificial light on its vast 261,000‑acre expanse. In the National Park Service’s official description of the park, the “lack of artificial light” is cited as a prime reason visitors can enjoy a truly “unfiltered” view of the Milky Way and other celestial wonders.

2. Elevation and Dry Air – Most of the park lies between 6,800 and 7,200 ft above sea level. Higher elevations mean thinner atmosphere and fewer particles to scatter starlight. Coupled with the arid desert climate, the air is exceptionally clear, reducing haze and providing crisp, sharp views of the constellations.

3. Wide, Open Viewpoints – Unlike parks that are densely forested or surrounded by mountains, Capitol Reef’s open canyon and plateau landscapes create panoramic views that allow for wide‑angle stargazing without obstruction. This makes it easy to spot the Milky Way’s sweeping curve even from short hikes or drive‑through points.

When and Where to Watch

The article stresses that the ideal stargazing season stretches from late August through early October when the nights are both long and dry. In late September, the park’s “Night Sky Tour” events are often scheduled, with park rangers guiding visitors to prime viewing spots and sharing basic astronomy. For those planning a solo excursion, the best recommended locations are:

• Capitol Gorge – From the rim of the gorge, a flat, open area offers a 180° view of the heavens, perfect for spotting the Orion belt and the Orion Nebula.

• Waterpocket Fold Trailhead – A short 0.7‑mile loop leads to a high plateau where the horizon stretches uninterrupted, allowing for an unobstructed Milky Way sweep.

• Scenic Drive Overlook – At mile marker 7, a roadside pullout offers a comfortable viewing spot that is easily accessible from the main park road.

The Travel + Leisure piece also highlights the importance of timing. Even at the park’s optimal times, the best stargazing is after midnight when the Milky Way is fully overhead. Early‑morning dawn visits are also worthwhile, as the “golden hour” before sunrise reveals a different set of stars that are invisible after dark.

Gear, Preparation, and Safety

The article reminds readers that while the sky itself is free and abundant, a good stargazing experience depends on preparation:

• Light‑Sensitive Gear – Bring a red‑light flashlight to preserve night vision, binoculars for closer views of bright stars, and, if you’re serious, a portable telescope.

• Warm Clothing – Nights in the park can dip below 30 °F (‑1 °C), especially from November onward. Layering is essential.

• Water, Snacks, and a Blanket – Since the park is remote, there are limited food options. Pack enough water and high‑energy snacks for your outing.

• Safety First – The article advises staying on marked trails, especially after dark. Wildlife such as rattlesnakes and coyotes can be active at night, so keeping a safe distance is wise. In addition, a GPS device or a reliable offline map is useful in case you stray from the trail.

The Science Behind the Night Sky

An embedded link in the feature takes readers to the International Dark Sky Association’s (IDA) profile of Capitol Reef, which details the park’s rigorous efforts to reduce light pollution. According to the IDA, the park has installed motion‑sensing lights for visitor safety that dim automatically when no one is present. This small but impactful measure keeps the night sky pristine.

A second link directs readers to the National Park Service’s official stargazing guide for Capitol Reef. The guide offers a “Stargazing Calendar” with monthly star charts and notes on which constellations will be most visible. It also encourages visitors to use apps such as SkyView or Stellarium to identify constellations on the fly.

Final Thoughts

Capitol Reef National Park’s stargazing scene is more than a novelty; it’s a thoughtfully curated experience that blends natural beauty with the wonder of the cosmos. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just someone who loves to watch the night sky from time to time, the park offers a chance to see the Milky Way in all its glory—an experience that is almost impossible to replicate in the suburbs. The Travel + Leisure feature encourages us all to venture into the desert, leave the city lights behind, and discover the stars as they were meant to be seen: clear, bright, and unbroken by human illumination.