The Small Town in Utah With the First Official Dark Sky Community

Utah has more certified International Dark Sky Places than anywhere else in the world, which makes it one of the best places to go stargazing. If you've never experienced a night sky free from light pollution, prepare to have your mind blown. Torrey is a small town in Utah that prioritized the night sky and became the state's first International Dark Sky Community in 2018, and it's an ideal spot to spend a few nights watching the Milky Way dance overhead. How Torrey Ended Up Being the First Dark Sky Community in Utah The International Dark Sky Places program certifies protected areas and communities worldwide that preserve dark skies through specific lighting policies and education. Flagstaff, Arizona, was named the first International Dark Sky City in 2001, and since then, more than 100,000 square miles of land across 22 countries have joined in the effort to preserve our dark skies. It's not as simple as just turning the lights off; there's a lot of strategy and work that goes into it, and it's quite the accomplishment when a community comes together to make it happen. There are countless small towns around the country that have built their identity around one thing, and Torrey is no exception. Torrey is best known as the gateway to nearby Capitol Reef National Park, which received its official International Dark Sky Park status in 2015. This small town in Utah is committed to the long-term protection of dark skies, and residents have improved their outdoor lighting to comply with dark-sky standards, officially achieving dark-sky status in 2018. The town's proximity to Capitol Reef was the biggest source of light pollution for stargazers in the park, and thanks to their efforts, the skies are that much darker for us to enjoy. Dark skies aren't just for our own after-hours enjoyment; they provide an important ecological balance. Artificial light not only disturbs our own circadian rhythms but also affects wildlife. Think of all the nocturnal and migratory animals that rely on natural light cycles to survive. Utah is no stranger to Dark Skies, and of the 200-plus International Dark Sky Places around the world, 28 of them are here in Utah. What To See and Do in Torrey Photo by S Quintans - stock.adobe.com This tiny but mighty town was founded by Mormon pioneers in the late 1800s and lies just eight miles east of Capitol Reef National Park. With a population that hovers around 300 residents, it's not the smallest town in Utah, but it's close! We love a quirky town, and Torrey fits right in. During the day, spend your time exploring the town's galleries, shops, and general store. Naturally, you'll want to see the sights at Capitol Reef National Park and maybe scout out some good stargazing spots. Since you're in Dark Sky land, you might want to load up on coffee because if you think this area is beautiful during the day, just wait until you see it at night. Capitol Reef National Park hosts several dark sky events throughout the year, including telescope viewings, nocturnal animal events, star talks, and more. Heritage Starfest is one of the most beloved dark sky festivals in Utah, and it takes place September 9 through 12, 2026. The festival began in 2010 and has grown into a packed four-day event where stargazers of all levels can come together to celebrate the dark sky. Check out the Heritage Starfest event schedule to see a breakdown of the events and activities planned for each day. What To Know Before You Go Photo by Jdross75 - stock.adobe.com Stargazing is one of those activities that anyone can do, though there are some rules to follow. Once you arrive, give yourself at least 20 minutes for your eyes to adjust. This means no cell phones, screens, or any lights! Every time you look at a light, your night vision resets. Speaking of lights, white lights are not allowed at most stargazing events; swap them for red lights. A chair is a good idea; a blanket is a better idea. Lying down relieves the strain on your neck, which your body will thank you for the next day. If you plan to take any photos, you'll want a tripod to use longer exposures. If you don't have a tripod, get creative! I've used rocks, a backpack, even my shoe in a pinch. Once you spend a night in this small town in Utah, you'll be amazed at how many stars are in the sky. Visit the Town of Torrey's official website and start planning your next adventure today.