Cedar City
Stargazing Guide.
Just 18.3 miles from the center of Cedar City, lies some of the region's best viewing at New Harmony Trailhead. We feature instrumented readings from Brian Head Peak to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Cedar City
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: New Harmony Trailhead. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~18.3 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 3 rating from Brian Head Peak as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact St. George Astronomy Group for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Cedar City offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Cedar City is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the UT metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 3 skies found at Brian Head Peak.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Cedar City
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Cedar City, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Winter months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Cedar City Observers
When observing from New Harmony Trailhead, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Cedar City residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of UT to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 3 at Brian Head Peak (14.5 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Cedar City
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Pro Tip: Always bring a red-light flashlight to these Cedar City spots to preserve your night vision.
New Harmony Trailhead
" Cedar City observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Jackson Flat Reservoir Boat Launch Parking Area
" For the dedicated Cedar City observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
Jem Trailhead
" Heading out from Cedar City toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Observation Hack: Use a planisphere or a printed star chart under a red light instead of a digital app for the most authentic experience. "
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
" For the dedicated Cedar City observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
Toquerville Park
" A manageable drive from Cedar City, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Cedar City
Rural conditions near Cedar City provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Cedar City
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Discover which telescopes can best cut through the remaining regional skyglow to see these scientific targets by viewing our gear recommendations.
Brian Head Peak
Cedar Breaks NM
Local Relevance
For observers in Cedar City, Brian Head Peak serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Brian Head Peak in Cedar Breaks NM on 8/9/2004. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.58 SQM."
Brian Head Peak
Cedar Breaks NM
Local Relevance
For observers in Cedar City, Brian Head Peak serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Site located near the west edge of the summit of Brian Head Peak, north of the shelter about 200 feet. Seeing good, transparency good, slight haze, fire smoke to the southwest over the Kaibab plateau. The sky appears bright from airglow, 10 degrees above the horizon has a blue green color to the east. Nevertheless, excellent definition in the Milky way near the zenith, gegenschein easily visible. Breezy, high altitude hinders visual observations. Light domes of Cedar City and St. George are prominent to the west and southwest, extending to 30 and 20 degrees above the horizon, respectively. Salt Lake City area light dome fairly small but very obvious and bright. Town of Brian Head has very annoying unshielded lights, excessive for such a small town, illuminating the mountain."
Dark Sky Oasis near Cedar City
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Cedar City observers.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
As one of the closest certified environments to Cedar City, Cedar Breaks National Monument offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
4730 South Highway 148 Brian Head, UT, 84719 United State
Zion National Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Cedar City, Zion National Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
State Highway Route 9 Springdale, UT 84767 USA
Astronomy Clubs for Cedar City
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Celestial Photographer profile.
Gearing Up for Cedar City Nights
"Staging for a night near Cedar City requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Cedar City Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Cedar City requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. With New Harmony Trailhead sitting at a ~18-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.