ADMIRE THE GREAT BASIN’S

WORLD-FAMOUS STARLIT ESCAPES

Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture

Millard County is a special place. Ancient-colored granite, distinctive geological structures, and sprawling skies paired with high elevations and low humidity lay the groundwork for out-of-this-world stargazing. With little to no light pollution, the stars here seem so close you could almost grab one!

Below, you’ll discover the top spots to stargaze in Millard County and valuable tips for an otherworldly night beneath our twinkling tapestry.

TOP STARGAZING SPOTS IN MILLARD COUNTY

Here are adventurers’ top destinations for observing our spectacular cosmic canvas!

PAINTER SPRINGS

In Painter Springs, the ancient pink granite rock formations and massive boulders beneath the vast desert sky set the stage for incredible stargazing. Spend the day exploring the area, rockhounding, or rock climbing. Once the sun sets and the stars boldly appear, gaze upward in astonishment as the galaxies put on a show.

LACE CURTAIN

A cliff at the base of a dormant volcano, the surreal Lace Curtain is named for its enigmatic lacey patterns resembling wax, which, at one time, was dripping lava. Take in the sprawling silence and eye-catching setting while the dark sky plays canvas for the nightly star show.

FORT DESERET

At Fort Deseret, the flat terrain stretches on and on, making the area ideal for optimal stargazing. Built in 1856, you can feel the history of this landmark while noting how little time has passed since its creation compared to the stars above. The area is easily accessible with a parking lot and picnic table.

TABERNACLE HILL LAVA TUBES

Stargazing at the Tabernacle Hill Lava Tubes among the tens of thousands of years old lava fields feels like a portal to a prehistoric era. With little to no light pollution, the details of the stars and peaceful setting are breathtaking.

STARGAZING TIPS:

Follow these tips to make the most of your stargazing experience! A little planning and preparation can make all the difference.

Steer clear of full-moon nights

Use binoculars or a telescope for close-up viewing

Allow 15 minutes for your eyes to adjust

Take advantage of apps or a planisphere as your celestial tour guide

Use red light to see in the dark without altering your dark vision

Find free star maps online

Wear warm clothing

Bring a camping chair or outdoor blanket to sit or lie on

Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture
Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture
Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture
Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture

STARGAZING & CAMPING ETIQUETTE

Stargazing until you fall asleep beneath a blanket of stars is an experience like no other — and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it. Whether staying overnight or for a few hours, abide by the following etiquette:

• Keep the noise level as low as possible

• Avoid arriving late in the evening or early in the morning

• Use light sparingly and refrain from using your phone’s light or screen

• If camping, keep any light use within your campsite

• If the temperature agrees, use stargazing as a campfire alternative

• If possible, opt for red flashlights

• Refrain from driving in the camping area from dusk until dawn

• Observe the Leave No Trace Principles by leaving each stargazing location as you found it, especially when packing out waste

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING OUR DARK SKIES

The dark skies of Utah are a gift. In many parts of the country and the world, the night sky is flooded with light pollution to the point that few stars are visible to the naked eye. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to take dark skies for granted, and few people know how overwhelming artificial nighttime light is on the health of all organisms.

In addition to drowning out the constellations, artificial light alters circadian rhythms. This may increase one’s risk of mental health issues, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and more. Wildlife, especially nocturnal species, also suffers from light pollution.

UTAH HAS THE MOST DARK SKY DESIGNATED PLACES IN THE U.S

Many factors make a region (or, in the case of Utah, nearly an entire state) an optimal place to stargaze, and obtaining an official Dark Sky designation in a state is no easy task. The illustrious Dark Sky certification requires the area to meet a wide range of standards set by the International Dark Sky Association, including:

• High elevations

• Low humidity

• Dark, remote areas

• Abundant national and state forest land

UTAH IS HOME TO AN IMPRESSIVE 24 OF THE WORLD’S 196 INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PLACES!

PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR LIGHTING FROM DARK SKY INTERNATIONAL

Dark Sky International is a nonprofit organization that protects the night skies for present and future generations. It was founded in the 1980s by two astronomers in response to the growing issue of light pollution. The organization promotes responsible outdoor lighting, raises awareness about the adverse effects of light pollution, and advocates for policies and practices that preserve the natural darkness of night skies.

HERE ARE THEIR FIVE PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE OUTDOOR LIGHTING:

1. USE LIGHT AT NIGHT ONLY WHEN IT’S NEEDED.

All light should have a clear purpose. Consider how the use of light will impact the area, including wildlife and habitats.

2. MAKE SURE DIRECT LIGHT IS DIRECTED ONLY TOWARD NECESSARY AREAS.

Use shielding and careful aiming to target the direction of the light beam so it points downward and doesn’t spill beyond where it’s needed.

3. KEEP LIGHT AT LOW LEVELS WHEN POSSIBLE.

Use the lowest light level required. Be mindful of surface conditions, as some surfaces may reflect more light into the night sky than intended.

4. CONTROL LIGHT USAGE AT NIGHT.

Use controls such as timers or motion detectors to ensure light is available when needed, dimmed when possible, and turned off when not needed.

5. OPT FOR WARM-COLORED LIGHTS.

Limit the amount of shorter wavelength (blue-violet) light to the least amount needed.

Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture
Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture
Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture
Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture

CONTINUE YOUR STARGAZING JOURNEY

Have you checked each of the four Millard County locations off your stargazing bucket and want more? If so, continue your adventure in neighboring Juab County, where four more incredible stargazing destinations await!

Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture
Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture
Mountain shape with outline and halftone texture