UTAH: STARGAZING IN THE BEEHIVE STATE

We’re feeling optimistic about travel (we know, but we all need something to look forward to right?) so we’re getting ready for an epic road trip (fingers crossed).

Because we are dreaming (and we haven’t spent ANY money on travel) we can be picky, so we are booking stays in quirky properties in locations where we can enjoy nature and stargazing. We figured it was time to head to somewhere we’ve never been before and investigate the newest areas designated as International Dark Sky Places (IDSPs), as well as checking out the Beehive State’s most iconic national parks, for the Utah: Above and Below Itinerary.

Travelling across the state of Utah you can take in the contrasting landscapes of the north and south, visiting each of the Mighty 5® national parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon and Zion), exploring East Canyon State Park and Mount Timpanogos as new stargazing locations. Here’s the plan:

DAY 1: Fly into the brand new SLC International Airport.

Overnight at The Monaco, Salt Lake City (x 1 night): Located in downtown, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City offers guests boutique service, a cool vibe and easy access to a host of regional attractions.

DAY 2: Drive north to Compass Rose Lodge, Huntsville (near Ogden) – activities include a star walk and observatory tour. Overnight (x 1 night)

Created by Jeff and Bonnie Hyde, Compass Rose Lodge offers 15 beautifully-appointed king and queen bedrooms for those wishing to visit Huntsville and the Ogden Valley in northern Utah. Blending historic and modern elements, it is a tribute to the architectural heritage of Huntsville and the creators have drawn inspiration from Ogden Valley’s agricultural and industrious heritage to craft a one-of-kind and very welcoming farmhouse experience. With a wide variety of activities available nearby including skiing, hiking, biking, paddle boarding and golfing, there’s plenty to do during your stay, and after a long day exploring guests are invited to return to Huntsville Square for some of Ogden Valley’s finest food options. The Lodge also offers some highly unique: The Huntsville Astronomic and Lunar Observatory (HALO). This on-site facility is one of the only amenities of its kind in an easily-accessible downtown setting and allows lodge guests and the local community to view neighbouring celestial bodies with great details such as the rings of Saturn or Jupiter’s Galilean Moons. Views of spectacular deep sky objects including galaxies, nebulae, and globular clusters await those wishing to peer farther into the heavens.

DAY 3 & 4: Visit Park City / Heber Valley / Sundance area – for the Homested Crater and Olympic Park. Overnight at Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort (x 2 nights)

In 1969, Robert Redford bought the land now known as Sundance and envisioned the careful growth of a community committed to the balance of art, nature and community. Under the leadership and direction of founder Robert Redford, the property team’s vision is to create an unspoiled and authentic experience in this intimate mountain resort where art, nature, and commerce unite to inspire and develop people, voices, and ideas. The luxury resort is nestled in the mountains near Park City and Provo.

DAY 5: Visit Timpanogos Cave National Monument – site of the first Urban Night Sky Place in the NPS. After, drive south to Moab visiting Arches National Park on the way. Overnight Red Cliffs Lodge, Moab (x 2 nights)

While the west is best known for its rugged landscape and hardy adventures, staying at the Red Cliffs Lodge is anything but primitive. Every room at Red Cliffs Lodge has a soothing view of either the Colorado River (just 100 feet away) or Castle Creek, which runs through the property. The scenery is both spectacular and private. In addition, each room and suite is designed to capture the hardy frontier spirit of the west, with solid log furniture, knotty pine accents, and muted stucco palettes.

DAY 6: Explore Moab area – Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park (both International Dark Sky Parks). Stargazing in Arches National Park.

DAY 7: Drive to Torrey via Goblin Valley State Park (another International Dark Sky Park). Overnight in Capitol Reef Resort Teepee, Torrey (x 1 night)

Capitol Reef Resort’s new outdoor experience is one of a kind. Teepees provide a combination of natural exploration and luxury comfort. These luxury teepees are stylish and comfortable, decorated in traditional western furnishings that will make your trip to the Red Rocks all the more authentic. You’ll even have your own private bathroom just steps away. Immerse yourself in the Wild West without sacrificing luxury in one of our high end Teepees. These 250 square foot, water-resistant, stand-alone Teepees feature a Double Pillow Top King Bed, a large flat screen TV, and a cosy sitting area. With a private bathroom just steps away, you are able to take in the gorgeous views of the surrounding Red Cliffs any time of day.

DAY 8: Visit Capitol Reef National Park (another International Dark Sky Park) before driving onwards to Bryce Canyon area. Overnight Stone Canyon Inn, Tropic (x 2 nights)

The property’s cabins and bungalows provide a front row seat to some of nature’s most breath taking views of Bryce Canyon.

DAY 9: Spend time discovering Bryce Canyon area – Kodachrome Basin State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park including joining the dark sky ranger programme

DAY 10: Drive to Zion National Park. Overnight Zion Under Canvas (x 2 nights)

Under Canvas Zion is located upon 196-acres of remote desert terrain just 20 miles from the entrance to Zion National Park and the charming town of Springdale. Operating under wide-open desert skies in Virgin, Utah, Under Canvas’ safari-inspired glamping destination is a haven of solitude in the American Southwest, surrounded by views of soaring sandstone cliffs and majestic red rock.

DAY 11: Day exploring Zion National Park

DAY 12: Drive to Las Vegas for flight home

DAY 13: Land back in the UK

Price: £2,095 pp (based on travel in June 2021 when the teepees open) including:
Flights ex LHR, Manchester or Glasgow with American Airlines
SUV fully insured car for the duration
11 nights’ accommodation as detailed above
To book, call Bon Voyage on 0800 316 0194 (www.bon-voyage.co.uk)

New International Dark Sky Places include:

East Canyon State Park: On 21 August, 2020, East Canyon State Park received International Dark Sky Park designation. This classification means that the park has beautifully dark night skies that allow visitors to clearly view the Milky Way and other celestial objects. East Canyon now joins Dead Horse Point, Goblin Valley, Antelope Island and Steinaker State Parks in attaining official recognition for their dark sky stewardship. Three additional Utah State Parks have submitted their International Dark Sky Park applications and four more parks are currently working on their applications.

Timpanogos Cave National Monument: A 250-acre site nestled in the Wasatch Mountains in Northern Utah centred around a tourable cave system. Many colourful cave features or speleothems are on display in the caves. The International Dark-Sky Association recently announced the certification of Timpanogos Cave National Monument as an Urban Night Sky Place (UNSP).

The International Dark Sky Place designation was developed in 2018 to draw attention to the role urban protected landscapes play in raising public awareness of light pollution. Timpanogos Cave is the first National Park Service unit to receive this certification, which recognises the park’s efforts to actively promote an authentic night-time experience in the midst of a significant artificial light at night. The certification also demonstrates the park’s commitment to public education and protection of night skies through the use of more energy-efficient, sustainable lighting proving the two are not mutually exclusive. Timpanogos Cave National Monument is located near many additional night sky areas in the state of Utah. In partnership with the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and local astronomy groups, the park regularly offers popular night sky programs in American Fork Canyon throughout the summer months.