…with the most Dark Sky Parks

Thanks to Mountain Luxury Lodging and photographer Ron Gleason for this photo. Not that I asked for permission, but credit to you until I replace it with my own pictures after the Perseids in North Fork this weekend.

This is actually several places across the state. With a whopping 15 International Dark Sky Parks, Utah boasts the most in the country.

What is a Dark Sky Park? In this modern world of lights and more lights, it’s harder than ever to see the stars and other natural nighttime delights. A Dark Sky Park has:

• Exceptionally dark night skies so you can actually see the natural phenomenon way up there.

• Certification from the International Dark-Sky Association that the area has views of the night sky that are unspoiled by light pollution.

This is especially relevant right now as the peak of the annual Perseids meteor shower will take place on the night between August 12-13. You can expect streaks of multicolored light and, if conditions are right, NASA predicts you’ll see about 40 Perseids an hour. So grab your loved ones, liked ones or best self, and head to one of Utah’s certified Dark Sky Parks for the universe’s free fireworks show.

• Antelope Island State Park

• Arches National Park

• Bryce Canyon National Park

• Canyonlands National Park

• Capitol Reef National Park

• Cedar Breaks National Monument

• Dead Horse Point State Park (first to receive certification)

• Dinosaur National Monument

• Goblin Valley State Park

• Hovenweep National Monument

• Natural Bridges National Monument

• North Fork Park, Ogden Valley

• Rainbow Bridge National Monument

• Steinaker State Park

• Torrey, Utah (yes, the town itself has the designation)