Moab Stargazing Calendar: Best Nights 2026
If you care about truly dark skies, Moab stargazing belongs at the top of your list. Southeastern Utah sits far from major cities, with high elevation, dry air, and some of the darkest skies in the continental US. Pair that with smart timing, and 2026 offers plenty of standout nights for skywatchers, photographers, and anyone who just wants to look up and feel small.
This guide breaks down the best nights of the year, why they matter, and where around Moab you’ll get the most from them.
Table of Contents
Why Moab Is Special for Stargazing
Moab sits between vast stretches of protected land. Artificial light is limited, horizons are wide, and weather is often clear. On good nights, the Milky Way isn’t subtle. It’s obvious, textured, and bright enough to cast faint shadows.
Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures. Summer delivers long nights packed with stars. Winter offers crisp air and exceptional clarity if you can handle the cold.
New Moons: The Darkest Nights of 2026
New moon periods matter more than any telescope or app. When the Moon is absent, faint stars, nebulae, and the Milky Way come alive.
Plan your trips around these windows. Aim for at least two nights on either side of the new moon for consistently dark skies.
2026 New Moon Dates (Best Stargazing Windows)
| Month | New Moon (Moab local time) | Best dark-sky nights (approx.) |
| January | Jan 18, 12:52 pm | Jan 16–20 |
| February | Feb 17, 5:01 am | Feb 15–19 |
| March | Mar 18, 7:23 pm | Mar 16–20 |
| April | Apr 17, 5:51 am | Apr 15–19 |
| May | May 16, 2:01 pm | May 14–18 |
| June | Jun 14, 8:54 pm | Jun 12–16 |
| July | Jul 14, 3:43 am | Jul 12–16 |
| August | Aug 12, 11:36 am | Aug 10–14 |
| September | Sep 10, 9:27 pm | Sep 8–12 |
| October | Oct 10, 9:50 am | Oct 8–12 |
| November | Nov 9, 12:02 am | Nov 7–11 |
| December | Dec 8, 5:51 pm | Dec 6–10 |
Late spring through early fall is ideal for Moab stargazing if you want warmer nights and long Milky Way visibility. Winter new moons are excellent too, especially for constellations like Orion and Taurus, but expect cold desert temperatures.
Locations: Where to Stargaze Around Moab
You don’t need to hike deep into the backcountry to find darkness here. A short drive can make a big difference.
Arches National Park
Balanced Rock and the Windows area offer dramatic silhouettes against the stars. After-hours access is limited, but ranger-led night programs are worth watching for.
Canyonlands National Park
Island in the Sky is one of the darkest, most expansive viewpoints near Moab. Shafer Trail overlooks and Green River viewpoints are especially good on moonless nights.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Easily accessible and elevated, this spot combines deep canyon views with open skies. It’s popular for astrophotography for a reason.
BLM Lands Outside Town
Head north or east of Moab on unpaved roads. Even 20 minutes away, light pollution drops dramatically. Just check road conditions and bring more water than you think you need.
Meteor Showers Worth Planning Around in 2026
New-moon windows are great, but a few showers are strong enough to deserve their own trips:
- Perseids (Aug 12–13, 2026): A headline shower, and in 2026 it peaks right at the New Moon window—excellent for Moab stargazing.
- Geminids (Dec 13–14, 2026): Often one of the most active showers; plan for a long, cold night and you can still do very well even if conditions aren’t perfectly moonless.
- If you’re filling the calendar: Lyrids (Apr), Eta Aquariids (May), Orionids (Oct), Leonids (Nov), Ursids (late Dec).
What You’ll See
On dark nights, expect:
- A bright Milky Way core from late spring through early fall
- Meteor showers like the Perseids in August and Geminids in December
- Planetary pairings, especially visible during spring and autumn evenings
- Winter constellations with sharp contrast during cold, clear nights
No telescope is required. A simple blanket, a red flashlight, and patience are enough.
Simple Tips for Better Stargazing
Quick Checklist
Let the Moab Stars Reward You
Moab doesn’t just offer good stargazing. It offers reliable stargazing. With smart planning around new moons and the right locations, 2026 can deliver unforgettable nights under the stars.
If you’re building a trip around the sky instead of squeezing it in after dinner, Moab will reward you.