Deer Valley Stargazing 

Dark Sky Viewing in the Wasatch Mountains

At ~7,000-9,000 feet above sea level, the Wasatch vicinity offers a peaceful, high-elevation buffer from city light pollution, creating excellent conditions for seeing the Milky Way, Big & Little Dippers, and many other celestial objects. Prime dark sky viewing in Utah does NOT require a journey to a remote national park. You'll find fantastic stargazing opportunities exist right within the Park City surrounding area. Look up; you'll see.

Stargazing is Fun

Especially in Utah!  Referred to as any of the following: sky-watching, amateur astronomy, celestial observation, or just plain star-watching, stargazing in Utah is amazing due to its exceptional concentration of International Dark Sky-certified areas, ideal climate conditions, and high-altitude locations. Utah is home to the highest number of dark sky places in the world, including all of our "Mighty 5" national parks.

Here at elevation, in Deer Valley Park City, we are fortunate to be able to experience natural darkness in so much of the landscape. Chances are high that if you step outside our front door on any given night and look up, you'll almost certainly get a very good view of the starry night sky.  It'll look closer and more vivid than where you live. And this is true for most all of Utah.

Look Up, Breath, and Unwind

Gaze into the vast Utah night sky from a mountaintop, a yurt, a firepit, or any dark area surface. You'll be amazed just how vibrant the Utah night sky is.

Star Gazing is the hobby of observing the night sky to view stars, planets, constellations, and other celestial objects, often with the naked eye or through tools like binoculars or telescopes. To get the best experience, find a dark location away from city lights, allow your eyes to adapt to the dark for at least 15-20 minutes, and avoid using white lights (like phones) which disrupt night vision. You can use a sky map or app to identify what you're seeing, and it's best to go when there is no bright moon.  

Utah's Wasatch Mountains, a stunning range known for its dramatic peaks and world-class skiing, offer a hidden nocturnal secret: some of the best stargazing in the country. While nearby Salt Lake City casts a glow, ascending into the high-altitude canyons and secluded parks of the Wasatch provides a breathtaking escape from urban light pollution. The region's high elevation ensures clearer air, and the sheer expanse of the mountains blocks out city glow, creating a stunning celestial amphitheater for observers. A night spent under the velvet sky of the Wasatch reveals the universe in a way few other places can, making it an ideal destination for amateur astronomers and casual stargazers alike.

Essential Tips for Successful Stargazing

You don't really need to do more that look up, but if you're more serious about your stargazing adventures, a little preparation goes a long way. You may want to  check the moon phase and weather forecast before you go outdoors; the best viewing occurs during a new moon, when the sky is darkest, and on clear, cloudless nights. Once you're in place, give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to fully adjust to the darkness—avoiding all white lights from phones, flashlights, and car headlights. Instead, use a flashlight with a red-light setting, or cover a regular flashlight with red cellophane, as red light is much less disruptive to night vision. Pack warm layers, as mountain nights get cold even in the summer, and bring a blanket or chair for comfortable viewing. You might also download a stargazing app, like Star Walk 2, to help identify constellations and planets.

Capture the Moment Through Astrophotography

For those interested in more than just a casual glance, the Wasatch Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for astrophotography. The combination of dark skies and dramatic mountain landscapes creates opportunities for breathtaking shots of the cosmos. By using a camera with manual settings, a sturdy tripod, and a wide-angle lens, you can capture the Milky Way arching over a rocky peak or the trails of stars as they move across the sky during a long exposure. Locations like Empire Pass offer 360-degree vistas that are perfect for capturing both the scenery and the celestial spectacle. If you have a newer mobile phone with a high-quality lens, AND a steady form, there's a good chance you can capture stunning night photos without all the extra gear or high-end equipment. Just remember to be patient, as the process requires a steady hand a clear night, but the results can be truly spectacular.

The Aurora Borealis (aka The Northern Lights)

For those attempting to photograph the aurora borealis from Deer Valley - Park City, Utah, a significant geomagnetic storm is required for visibility, as the area is located far south of the auroral oval. It's definitely doable as it's well known and visually evidenced that Parkites are indeed occasionally treated to rare displays of the Aurora Borealis. Photographers (even those with just basic mobile phone cameras) can utilize the dark-sky areas just above the town's light center to capture their own proof. Once a geomagnetic storm, strong enough to reach Utah is in the forecast, shutter-bugs should be ready for stable, long-exposure shots. Since the aurora at lower latitudes often appears as a fainter, diffused glow rather than vivid dancing curtains, the camera's long exposure is essential for capturing colors that may not be apparent to the naked eye. Experiment and see what magic your camera will reveal with a clear, well-exposed image. You may likely be pleasantly surpised with your results.

Resort Activities for Stargazing

While there isn't a fixed, regular schedule of organized stargazing events at Park City and Deer Valley resorts themselves, they do occasionally host special events, and the area offers many excellent opportunities for stargazing. The frequency and availability of these events can depend on the season and specific astronomical occurrences.

Resorts like Montage Deer Valley, have been known to host "Star Parties" or similar events, often timed with major astronomical events like meteor showers, etc. These events may feature local astronomers, telescopes, and guided viewing. Other resorts throughout Park City and Deer Valley, may occasionally offer "Guided by the Stars" experiences which may or may not be open to non-guest participation.  Check the community events calendar and speak directly with the resort concierge for possible availability.