Panorama Point Arches National Park
You’ll see the darkest skies during a new moon or when the moon is below the horizon. Areas off the main park road with few obstructions of the sky are best. Under the right conditions, common binoculars may even reveal the rings of Saturn. A side road for Panorama Point leaves to the right.
Stargazing

Enjoying the Stars at Panorama Point Inrangers plan on offering star parties at a new location – Panorama Point. NPS Photo There are many aspects of the scenery at Arches National Park and the surrounding lands— red rockcanyon-cutting rivers, snow-capped mountains, sagebrush, and of course, archesjust about everywhere you look. One unique aspect of the scenery is the dark night sky. True natural darkness is rare but essential to the desert ecosystem and the visitor experience.
Seeing the Milky Way for the first time can be life-changing experience, especially for city dwellers or those who live in light polluted areas.
If only Panorama Point Arches National Park were the perfect spot that offered true darkness, solitude, and accessibility. In late summerArches National Panorama Point Arches National Park broke ground on an exciting new project—an outdoor night sky viewing space. The new venue will be located at Panorama Point, approximately a minute drive from Arches Visitor Center. Included in the new space will be a concrete presentation bay, seating for 75 people, and telescope pads.
Additionally, the project will include three shade structures for picnicking, vault toilets, and oversize parking for buses. The space was designed to be versatile and used in different capacities—both daytime and nighttime use. What makes Panorama Point ideal for stargazing is its particular location in the park.
It’s in a high spot with unobstructed views and is far enough away from Moab to not be impacted by light pollution. Ample parking and pavement also makes the location ideal for larger astronomy events. Programs include ranger talks, constellation tours, and telescope viewing. The new venue will also provide visitors a chance to connect with the cosmos in an informal way. Panorama Point will generally always be open to the public, even nights without scheduled programming. Backless seating will allow for visitors Glacier National Park To Great Falls Mt comfortably lay down and gaze upward at the night sky on any given night.
The new night sky viewing space at Panorama Point is scheduled to be completed in Panorama Point Arches National Park Until then, Arches’ night sky rangers encourage you to escape the crowds and into the stars—the park is always open, 24 hours a day. Half the park is after dark! Learn about light pollution in our National Parks.
Moab’s Amazing Night Skies

The new night sky viewing space at Panorama Point is scheduled to be completed in Mile White lights from flashlights, cell phones, or vehicle headlights can harm your night vision. It is a mile further, at the end of the road.