Utah’s national parks, known as the Mighty 5, attract millions of visitors every year. The parks, which include Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon, are especially crowded during the summer season, with Zion alone reporting over 1.4 million visitors in June, July, and August of 2026.
A writer who visited these parks as a child returned nearly 30 years later to experience them at night. The writer and their friend Sarra embarked on a week-long road trip to explore four national parks and three state parks in Utah, taking it easy during the day and saving their energy for nocturnal expeditions.
Exploring Capitol Reef at Night
Their first stop was Capitol Reef National Park, where they hiked to Hickman Bridge with guides Samuel and Suzanne Francis. The 1.8-mile round-trip hike began with a climb on switchbacks and ended with a scramble to reach the view. Samuel noted that the park’s appearance changes at night, and the darkness offers a unique connection to the environment.
As they hiked, the writer was struck by the silence surrounding them, a stark contrast to the crowds that fill the park during the day. The only sounds were the chirping of bugs and the rustling of leaves, and the writer felt a sense of wonder at the vast, dark environment.
Once they reached the bridge, they turned off their flashlights and let their eyes adjust to the moonlight. The nearly full moon was blindingly bright, and they could see hundreds of stars twinkling above. Suzanne commented that the bridge was even more beautiful at night, and the writer had to agree.
The writer also noted that many animals in Capitol Reef are nocturnal or crepuscular, including bats, kangaroo rats, and desert bighorn sheep. As they sat beneath the bridge, they felt a sense of connection to the environment and the creatures that inhabit it.
Nocturnal Adventures in Utah’s State Parks
The next day, the writer and Sarra visited Dead Horse Point State Park, which offers a range of nocturnal activities, including scorpion searching and stargazing. They opted to go scorpion searching, which involved using special flashlights to spot the biofluorescent creatures.
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With the help of ranger Jimmy Burch, they found a scorpion hiding in a bush, its body glowing brightly under the UV light. The writer was amazed by the creature’s calm demeanor, despite being surrounded by a group of people taking photos.
According to Ally O’Rullian, public information officer at Utah State Parks, Dead Horse Point naturalist programs have “likely included dark sky viewings” since as early as the mid-1970s.
As they continued their journey, the writer began to realize that nighttime adventures could become a regular part of their routine. With the crowds and chaos of the day giving way to the peace and tranquility of the night, they felt a sense of freedom and wonder at the natural world.
Their next destination was Sand Hollow State Park, where they went moonlight paddling on the reservoir. The park offers a monthly full-moon paddle, which starts at moonrise and takes participants on a gentle journey across the water.
As they paddled, the writer felt a sense of calm and connection to the natural world. They heard the sound of water brushing against their kayaks and saw the moon rising above the red-rock cliffs. Ranger Callie Mallow pointed out a family of raccoons living on an island in the middle of the water, and the writer felt a sense of awe at the beauty of the environment.
Reflecting on the Journey
The trip through the night proved to be a transformative experience for the writer. The silence of the parks offered a stark contrast to the daytime crowds. The vastness of the sky provided a sense of scale that is hard to find in the city. The writer felt a deep connection to the land and the animals that call it home.