Stargaze at Dead Horse Point State Park
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Visit this International Dark Sky Park to witness the Milky Way mirrored above the 2,000-foot sheer cliffs overlooking the Colorado River.
Itinerary tips
- 1Pack a headlamp with a red-light mode to preserve your night vision while walking from the parking lot to the canyon rim.
- 2Arrive at the park at least one hour before sunset to secure a parking spot at the Dead Horse Point Overlook and witness the 'Golden Hour' transformation.
- 3Dress in multiple layers even during summer, as temperatures on the high desert plateau drop significantly once the sun goes down.
- 4Bring a sturdy tripod and a wide-angle lens if you plan to capture the Milky Way, as the wind at the rim can cause camera shake.
- 5Check the park's event calendar for ranger-led telescope programs which provide high-powered optics and expert sky tours.
- 6Download an offline star map or stargazing app before leaving Moab since cellular service is unreliable at the park overlooks.
More in Moab
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ScenicStargaze at Dead Horse Point
Visit this International Dark Sky Park after hours to see the Milky Way arching over the gooseneck curves of the Colorado River far below.
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