Winter Night Sky Photography in Utah’s National Parks
Utah Winter Night Sky Photography at Arches & Zion
In January 2024, I spent a week exploring Utah’s night skies for a winter astrophotography adventure. It was my first time in Utah—and I quickly realized why it’s often called the best state in the U.S. for landscape astrophotography. Utah has more International Dark Sky Parks than anywhere else in the world, making it a dream for stargazing, night photography, and astronomy.
My plan was simple: visit Arches National Park and Zion National Park during the quiet off-season, with a surprise stop at Bryce Canyon National Park. What followed was a mix of breathtaking skies, challenging hikes, and unforgettable astrophotography moments.
Arrival in Salt Lake City
Flying into Salt Lake City International Airport was stunning. The snowy Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake stretched out beneath the plane, and even the airport itself impressed with mountain views from its glass walls.
My trip didn’t start smoothly—I discovered my luggage (with all my winter gear) hadn’t made it to Utah. Thankfully, I recovered it the next day, just in time for my road trip south to the national parks.
Arches National Park – Delicate Arch and Orion
Based in Moab, I explored Arches National Park, home to the world’s largest concentration of natural arches. Seeing Delicate Arch, Balanced Rock, and the Windows Section dusted with snow was surreal.
For my astrophotography, I focused on Delicate Arch. Instead of the popular summer Milky Way shots, I captured the Orion Constellation and Barnard’s Loop rising above the arch using my astro-modified Sony A7 IV. The hike to the arch was icy and narrow, but the sight of the arch glowing under the stars was worth every step.
On the way back, my GPS struggled in the wide-open slickrock, and I briefly lost the trail. I eventually made it out—and even managed a night photo of Wolfe Ranch, adding creative AI-lit windows in post since the cabin was locked.
Milky Way rising above Wolfe Ranch Cabin in Arches National Park, Utah, with snow patches on the ground and a glowing window in the rustic log cabin.
Zion National Park – The Watchman & Winter Milky Way
At Zion National Park, the winter advantage was clear—no shuttles, fewer crowds, and more freedom. I stayed in Springdale and spent my nights chasing the stars.
My main goal was photographing The Watchman with Orion above it from Canyon Junction Bridge. I also shot the Towers of the Virgin under snow and attempted a winter Milky Way arch at Canyon Overlook. Though clouds and cold winds made conditions tough, I came away with some incredible captures.
Bryce Canyon National Park – Hoodoos in the Snow
My final stop was Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for having the largest collection of hoodoos—those tall, thin rock spires carved by erosion. Hiking the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail through snow-covered hoodoos was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Though I didn’t have time for astrophotography here, the views alone were unforgettable.
Reflections on Utah’s Night Skies
Driving back through a snowstorm to catch my flight, I couldn’t stop thinking about how special winter in Utah is for astrophotography. Clear skies, snow-dusted red rock, and fewer crowds made for an adventure I’ll never forget.
I’ll be back—maybe in summer to capture the Milky Way—but winter gave me a truly unique perspective on Utah’s legendary dark sky parks.