Following the Stars
Photography By Marcin Zając
For our ancestors, the observable universe beyond our atmosphere was of the utmost significance. The starry night sky once served as the sole reference for when to plant crops and inspired myths that remain culturally relevant today. Now with so much of the world in perpetual twilight, many never see a naturally dark night sky. Utah however, part of The Great Western Starry Way of the Intermountain West, is lucky to boast the highest concentration of internationally-certified dark sky locations in the world.
Marcin Zając, an internationally acclaimed photographer, has perfected the craft of exposing what is usually invisible to the naked eye. Here he sets out on a quest to capture the brilliance of Southern Utah's dark skies. Using advanced techniques combined with a keen eye for composition, Zając shows us the magnitude of our universe that's visible from Utah's spectacular landscapes.

Valley of the Gods is located in the southeastern corner of the state. While similar to the geography found at Monument Valley to the south, this Bureau of Land Management area sees much less traffic, thereby adding solitude to its many virtues.

Heading north from Valley of the Gods on U.S. Route 191, you'll find Arches National Park. Arches park rangers have led regular astronomy programs and special events since at least 2012. They regularly work with staff from nearby dark sky parks to offer Moab-area visitors an opportunity to explore the night sky.

Southwest of Arches, lies Capitol Reef National Park. It’s remote Cathedral district has some of the most stunning views around, including the iconic monolith, Temple of the Sun.

As the sun rises in Capitol Reef country, the stars dissipate but the stunning landscape takes hold.

It's not unusual to hear the landscape near Capitol Reef described as lunar. This spire is accessible from a dirt road just seven miles west of Hanksville, Utah.
"If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore ... But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile."
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Southwest of Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon National Park has one of the nation’s oldest astronomy programs.

Bryce Canyon is known for its crimson-colored “hoodoos,” which are spire-shaped rock formations. The park’s main road leads past the expansive Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled depression lying below the Rim Trail hiking path.

Continuing to the southwest corner of the state, Zion National Park falls under a dark sky of endless stars. Many visitors may gaze into Zion’s dark skies to find more stars than they’ve ever seen before. When you enter the park, you leave the ambient light of every-day life, making every detail of the night sky more visible.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in the south-central region of the state is home to The Toadstools. The balanced rock formations here look like mushrooms and offer awe-inspiring views that enchant. The toadstools are easy to access along an easy to moderate 1.5-mile round-trip hike.

Just east of Grand Staircase lies the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This Milky Way vantage point at Reflection Canyon is like no other, but its lengthy out-and-back hike requires endurance and preparation.
"I find it fascinating that my camera can capture more than my eyes can see – the color and the detail in the night sky you can record with modern cameras are astonishing ... First and foremost, I look for an interesting composition where there is a balance between the landscape in the foreground and the sky."
– Marcin Zając

About the Photographer – Marcin Zając
Marcin Zając is a landscape photographer from Poland based in Northern California. When he's not chasing light with his camera, he works as a software engineer. His work has been recognized by several photography competitions. He was shortlisted for Astronomy Photographer of the Year, organized by the Royal Museum Greenwich, in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, and won the People's Choice award in 2021. He was awarded NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day in 2020 and placed among the world's top 101 photographs in the International Landscape Photographer of the Year 2021 competition, the world's most prestigious landscape photography contest. Instagram: @mrcnzajac
Stargazing in Utah
Of the vast amount of certified International Dark Sky Parks and Communities that are part of a catalog of the finest dark skies in the world, the highest concentration are in Utah. Explore the statewide locations and make plans for experiencing natural wonders after the sun sets.
Utah's Certified Dark Sky Parks
Read the Stories
-
Where’s the Meat?
Written By Darby Doyle
5 minute read
Taking the blue highways, finding a local diner or picking up fresh fruit from a family-run farm store gets us that much more in touch with the flow of seasons and feeling grounded in our sense of place as we travel. And shrinking the circle of our food sourcing has become a priority for many people even, and especially, while on the road.
-
Utah’s Fruit Way: Harvest Time Along Old Highway 89
Written By Darby Doyle
6 minute read
Headed to Bear Lake, Golden Spike National Historical Park or the Bear Lake Migratory Bird Refuge? Stock up with fresh road-trip snacks and dinner provisions direct from family-run farm stands, all within a stone’s throw of the region’s many historic farms and orchards.
-
Kiva Koffeehouse
Kiva Koffeehouse is a welcome stop for fresh food and espresso tucked on a hillside down a dirt driveway near milepost 73 on the scenic byway.
-
The Spice of (a New) Life
Written By Austen Diamond
4 minute read
Some of the best food in Salt Lake City is served in the Spice Incubator Kitchen. Come visit this international culinary kitchen for a treat to your taste buds.
-
More Than Coffee: The Caffeinators of Salt Lake City
Written By Austin Wright
8 minute read
The unique Salt Lake City coffee community is ready to embrace you. When you visit Utah, try all the capital city's coffee shops and styles to find your favorite cup.
-
Meet the Women Leading Utah's Food and Beverage Renaissance
Written By Darby Doyle
When it comes to food and beverage in Utah, there are key influencers who have been the proponents of change, growth, and the role of women in Utah’s food scene.
-
Navajo: Fry Bread, Tacos, Pizza
Despite its troubling origins, Navajo fry bread is an inspired food of the nation’s people, and it can be found in many forms with various names around the southwest.
-
The Hills are Alive With the Scent of Whiskey
Written By Cody Kirkland
4 minute read
The first of several legal Utah distilleries since 1870 is the High West Distillery. Tour the facility, enjoy a tasting, build your flight and have a burger.
-
Want Wine? Utah Has an App for That!
Written By Paula Colman
Search for and locate any wine, beer or spirit in the entire statewide inventory using an app.
-
Eating Up Mount Timpanogos
Written By David Vogel
3 minute read
Learn about the Utah farms near Mt. Timpanogos that produce luscious lettuce and artisan cheese. Make your own plans to “eat up” Mt. Timpanogos!
-
A Sweet-Tooth’s Guide to Downtown Provo
Written By Visit Utah
3 minute read
We’ve set out on a walk in search of Provo's best treats. We were not disappointed.
-
Utah's Rum Underdogs
Written By Darby Doyle
6 minute read
Utah distilleries are becoming very popular. Distillery 36 is rising to the top of the list. Drink in their story and then let’s toast with Brigham agricole rum!
-
Utah Spirits Tours
Written By Darby Doyle
5 minute read
Utahns have rediscovered distilling. Sample the merchandise on a gin distillery tour, stay for dinner and taste Utah whiskey, vodka and more on other tours.
-
Mesa Farm Market
Best local shops and healthy eats near Moab and Capitol Reef. Try the goat cheese!
-
Artisan Cheese in Red Rock Country
Written By Darby Doyle
8 minute read
Two decades ago, Randy Ramsley traded his Dockers-and-tie city job for a 50 acre plot of land that he called a “Garden of Weedin” and the dream of establishing a sustainable farmstead. Now travelers from all over the globe know the small market and counter-service restaurant at Mesa Farm as a refreshing “must-do” respite seemingly plunked in the middle of nowhere on Highway 24 east of Capitol Reef National Park.
-
Best Après Ski Bars in Park City and Beyond
Written By Austen Diamond
4 minute read
Want to master the art of après? Here’s your guide to the best après-ski bars in Park City and the Wasatch Front.
-
Women in the Wild: Transformation and the Outdoors
Written By Paula Colman
11 minute read
Paula Colman joins a weekend retreat for women in Moab, Utah, that has an eye-catching mission: Build your tribe. Connect with your inner spirit. Transform body, mind and spirit around the theme: “Ignite the Flame Within.” Follow along as she seeks her authentic self and learn how to find your own Tribe.
-
Hell's Backbone Grill
Written By Matcha
Boulder, Utah sits at the edge of wilderness, but Hell's Backbone Grill culinary ethics and farm-to-table cuisine puts most city dining to shame.
-
Short List: Local Salt Lake City Nightlife Picks
Make the most of winter's shortened daylight by extending your Utah ski trip into the night. Sure, some resorts offer incredible night skiing — so, okay, after that — but then the night really gets going in downtown Ski City.
-
Where to Eat and Drink in St. George
Written By Elainna Ciaramella
6 minute read
As you explore St. George and Greater Zion seeking excellent food, coffee and drinks, you’ll want to add these top restaurants to your list.
-
Welcome to the 5%: Liquor Laws Support Utah's Vibrant Craft Brew Scene
Written By Matcha
While Utah still has some unconventional liquor laws on the books, they aren’t an impediment to enjoying the local creations. So raise a glass to your next trip to Utah — you won’t be disappointed.
-
Utah’s Women Make History
Written By Darby Doyle
5 minute read
Walk in the footsteps of Utah’s earliest women’s suffrage leaders at sites throughout downtown Salt Lake City. Along the way, view public art installations commemorating voting rights and stop at trail-adjacent local women-owned businesses.
-
Discover the Breweries of the Wasatch Front
Written By Matcha
5 minute read
Over the past two decades, Salt Lake’s breweries have grown into a culture all their own. Here’s what you need to start planning a pub crawl with this collection of Salt Lake’s most popular breweries.
-
Heber Eats
Written By Paula Colman
4 minute read
Heber Valley is a basecamp for adventure with none of the crowds! With restaurants, bakeries, yurt dining and more there is never a shortage of places to eat.
-
5 Road Trip-Worthy Restaurants in Kanab, Utah
Written By Andrew Dash Gillman
4 minute read
Hungry for a culinary renaissance? Or a small-town staple? Whatever you’re craving, fuel your outdoor adventures at these favorite Kanab restaurants.