Gold Tier Dark Skies and Heritage Starfest

The designation reflects its remote setting and its limited use of artificial lighting. Its night sky is counted among the best viewing options in the western national parks.

Under park rules, artificial light may be used only for personal route-finding or minimum impact camping. Visitors are also asked to keep any outdoor light they do use to a minimum. Light painting falls outside those allowed uses, so it is not permitted. Astrophotography of the Milky Way is still possible, as long as it stays within these limits.

For open views, Panorama Point sits on State Route 24, about 2 miles west of the visitor center. Danish Hill and Slickrock Divide, both on the Scenic Drive, offer broad outlooks too, and the parking lot at the Fruita Campground Amphitheater is another option. Cathedral Valley, in the northern part of the park, has its own hiking trails and driving routes. A clear sky forecast can help you choose the hours when the sky is darkest.

The Heritage StarFest honors the starry skies over Capitol Reef and Wayne County. The event began in 2010 and is free to attend. It takes place over two days each fall, usually in September. The park and the Entrada Institute host it, with events spread between the park itself and Torrey, 11 miles west of the visitor center. Anyone with a telescope of their own can bring it along.

The Torrey Park Telescope Program takes place at Torrey Town Park, where guest amateur astronomers and park staff help visitors view the Milky Way through many telescopes. Red lights are the choice here, since white lights are not allowed in the viewing area. Dark sky monitoring volunteers also help record the quality of the night sky across the Torrey-Teasdale area. To volunteer, email the park's volunteer office.