Cedar City.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Cedar City, UT. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Cedar City
- Top Community Pick: New Harmony Trailhead (~18.3 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Brian Head Peak
- Local Experts: St. George Astronomy Group
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Cedar City, UT? While enthusiasts often gather at New Harmony Trailhead for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Brian Head Peak provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Cedar City and the more rural stretches of UT creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Cedar City
For the best results in Cedar City, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.
Expert Tips for Cedar City Observers
Before heading out to New Harmony Trailhead, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars the site for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.
Utah Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
New Harmony Trailhead
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Jackson Flat Reservoir Boat Launch Parking Area
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Jem Trailhead
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Toquerville Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Brian Head Peak
Cedar Breaks NM
"Site located near the west edge of the summit of Brian Head Peak, north of the shelter about 200 feet. Seeing good, transparency good, slight haze, fire smoke to the southwest over the Kaibab plateau. The sky appears bright from airglow, 10 degrees above the horizon has a blue green color to the east. Nevertheless, excellent definition in the Milky way near the zenith, gegenschein easily visible. Breezy, high altitude hinders visual observations. Light domes of Cedar City and St. George are prominent to the west and southwest, extending to 30 and 20 degrees above the horizon, respectively. Salt Lake City area light dome fairly small but very obvious and bright. Town of Brian Head has very annoying unshielded lights, excessive for such a small town, illuminating the mountain."
Brian Head Peak
Cedar Breaks NM
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Brian Head Peak in Cedar Breaks NM on 8/9/2004. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.58 SQM."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
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Zion National Park
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.