Stargaze at Hardware Ranch
OutdoorEasySummerFallWinter
Escape the city lights for a night of astronomy in this expansive meadow known for elk and dark skies.
Itinerary tips
- 1Pack a high-quality camping chair or a thick waterproof blanket to remain comfortable while looking upward for extended periods.
- 2Allow for a 45-minute drive from downtown Logan via SR-101, ensuring you arrive before twilight to navigate the dirt access roads safely.
- 3Bring a red-light headlamp or flashlight to preserve your peripheral night vision while moving around the meadow.
- 4Check the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website for seasonal gate closures, as the main ranch area is a managed Wildlife Management Area.
- 5Download a star-mapping app like SkyGuide for offline use, as cellular service is extremely limited once you enter the canyon.
- 6Layer your clothing heavily even in summer, as the high-elevation meadow temperatures drop significantly once the sun sets.
More in Logan & Cache Valley
Watch the Kokanee Salmon Run at Porcupine
Witness thousands of Kokanee salmon turn bright red as they swim upstream to spawn in the Little Bear River during September.
OutdoorStroll the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Walk the auto-tour loop to spot American Avocets and Tundra Swans stopping over during their southward autumn migration.
OutdoorClimb at First Dam
Join the local student crowd for bouldering and slacklining at the mouth of Logan Canyon, right where the river enters the valley.
OutdoorPhotograph the Logan River Trail
Follow the gentle, paved path along the river as September colors reflect in the crystal-clear water.
Outdoor
