Its Official Utah Is The Best Place In The World To See The Stars

Antelope Island, Utah, has been awarded the accolade of International Dark Sky Park (IDSP), officially recognising the exceptional quality of its starry nights and nocturnal environments.

The award means Utah is now home to nine IDSPs – including Cedar Break National Monument, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef, all of which will be free to visit on certain days throughout 2017 – more than any other state or province on the planet.

Utah’s latest astro-tourism hub, a must-visit for stargazers, can be found just under an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, far from any light pollution and easy to reach by car.

Scott Feierabend, International Dark-Sky Association executive director said: ‘The recognition of Antelope Island State Park as an IDSP is another important achievement in raising the profile of light pollution and dark skies in the greater Salt Lake City area.’

Utah will be holding celebrations of its night sky throughout the summer, including full moon mountain treks from the Sundance Mountain Resort, the ‘Master Astronomer Program’ and free star parties at Cedar Breaks National Monument, and the renowned Astronomy Festival held at the sprawling Bryce Canyon National Park every June.

Becky Johnson, senior global manager for the Utah Office of Tourism said: ‘This reinforces the state’s position as the premier stargazing destination not just in the United States, but in the world.’

To date the IDSA has recognised 46 destinations around the world including Australia’s Warrambungle National Park, Germany’s Eifel National Park and the islands of Møn and Nyord in Denmark.

For more information about Utah and when to visit check out visitutah.com and stateparks.utah.gov.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.