The 7 Best Places to See the Aurora Borealis in Utah

Jan 05, 2026

The 7 Best Places to See the Aurora Borealis in Utah: Your Complete Guide to Chasing the Northern Li
By Westgate Resorts

The 7 Best Places to See the Aurora Borealis in Utah

Utah's breathtaking landscapes and renowned dark-sky designations make it one of the most spectacular stargazing destinations in the United States. While the Beehive State lies far south of the typical auroral zone, powerful geomagnetic storms occasionally push the Northern Lights far enough south to grace Utah's northern horizons with a rare and unforgettable celestial display.

And with Utah home to more International Dark Sky Parks than anywhere else in the world (it's one of the best things to do in Park City!), the state offers unparalleled viewing conditions when solar activity cooperates.

Your Complete Guide to Chasing the Northern Lights

Whether you're visiting during ski season or the warmer months, staying in a central location like Park City puts you in a perfect position to quickly respond when space weather forecasts indicate auroral activity. Understanding when and where to position yourself during these exceptional events can mean the difference between witnessing nature's most magnificent light show and missing it entirely.

So without further ado, check out the best places to see the Northern Lights in Utah, including the best hotels near Park City, what to pack, and how to capture it for the ‘gram.

1 | Antelope Island State Park | Consistently ranked as Utah's premier location for potential Northern Lights sightings, Antelope Island State Park offers unobstructed northern horizons across the Great Salt Lake. The island's isolated position eliminates light pollution from most directions, while its elevation and clear desert air provide exceptional atmospheric clarity.

The park's western shore, particularly White Rock Bay, blocks residual city lights from the Wasatch Front, creating optimal viewing conditions. Park rangers and local astronomy groups frequently host night-sky programs here, and the facility remains accessible year-round with both day-use and camping options.

What makes it special: Panoramic 360-degree views, minimal light interference, and professional-grade astronomy programs make this the top choice for serious aurora hunters in Utah.

WHERE: 4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse, UT 84075 | WHO: (801) 773-2941

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2 | Bear Lake State Park | Straddling the Utah-Idaho border, Bear Lake's northern position makes it one of the most likely locations in Utah to capture auroral displays during strong geomagnetic storms.

The turquoise waters of "The Caribbean of the Rockies" provide stunning foreground elements for aurora photography, while the surrounding mountains shield the area from distant urban light sources.

What makes it special: The lake's high elevation (5,924 feet) and northern latitude give it a geographic advantage over more southern Utah locations. During peak solar activity, photographers have successfully captured the Northern Lights reflected in Bear Lake's calm waters.

WHERE: 940 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028 | WHO: (435) 946-3343

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3 | Jordanelle State Park | The Rock Cliff Nature Area features the park's darkest skies, protected by surrounding hillsides that block light pollution from nearby communities.

The reservoir creates expansive northern views essential for spotting low-horizon auroras. Park staff regularly conduct dark-sky programs that help visitors understand space weather and optimal viewing techniques.

What makes it special: Perfect for visitors staying in the Park City area, Jordanelle State Park offers certified dark skies within a short drive of Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, giving you easy access to both luxe resort amenities and breathtaking auroras.

WHERE: 515 UT-319, Heber City, UT 84032 | WHO: (435) 649-9540

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4 | East Canyon State Park | This easily accessible dark-sky park sits in a protected canyon that shields viewers from the Wasatch Front's light pollution.

It provides excellent northern exposure, critical for viewing auroras that typically appear low on the horizon at Utah's latitude, while also maintaining minimal lighting infrastructure to preserve its natural darkness.

What makes it special: Quick accessibility from Salt Lake City and Ogden areas allows aurora enthusiasts to reach optimal viewing locations within an hour of storm forecasts.

WHERE: 5535 UT-66, Morgan, UT 84050 | WHO: (801) 829-6866

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5 | Rockport State Park | At 6,000 feet, Rockport State Park's thin atmosphere enhances celestial visibility while the reservoir's open waters face north, providing unobstructed views toward the typical auroral zone.

Winter visits offer the longest viewing windows, with clear, cold nights and early sunsets allowing several hours of darkness before closing time.

What makes it special: Camping options extend viewing opportunities throughout the night during major geomagnetic events.

WHERE: 9040 UT-302, Peoa, UT 84061 | WHO: (435) 336-2241

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6 | Capitol Reef National Park | While farther south than other locations on this list, Capitol Reef's exceptional darkness and vast northern horizons make it worthy of consideration during extreme geomagnetic storms (Kp 8-9).

The park's remote location on the Colorado Plateau provides some of the darkest skies in North America.

What makes it special: The combination of stunning geological formations and pristine night skies creates extraordinary photographic opportunities.

WHERE: Torrey, UT 84775 | WHO: (435) 425-3791

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7 | Bonneville Salt Flats | The surreal, otherworldly landscape of the Bonneville Salt Flats provides a completely flat, unobstructed horizon in all directions.

The remote location far from any significant light sources makes this an excellent choice during major solar events. The stark, minimalist landscape provides a dramatic foreground for aurora photography, though visitors should check conditions as the area can be inaccessible during wet weather.

What makes it special: The flat horizons and reflective salt surface create one-of-a-kind viewing and photography conditions.

WHERE: Bonneville Salt Flats State Park, Wendover, UT 84083 | WHO: N/A

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Essential Tips for Successfully Viewing the Aurora Borealis in Utah

Timing Your Expedition

  • Best Seasons: September through April offers the longest hours of darkness and typically clearer skies. Winter months provide the most viewing time, though summer aurora events can still be captured after astronomical twilight.

  • Optimal Viewing Hours: Peak auroral activity typically occurs between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. However, in Utah, you may need to watch from sunset through sunrise during major events, as activity can vary throughout the night.

  • Moon Phase Matters: Plan your viewing during a new moon or when the moon sets early. Even a thin crescent can significantly impact your ability to see faint auroral glows on the horizon.

Real-Time Space Weather Monitoring

  • NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: The gold standard for aurora forecasting, NOAA provides 3-day geomagnetic forecasts, real-time Kp index readings, and aurora viewline predictions showing how far south the aurora may extend.

  • 30-Minute Aurora Forecast (OVATION Model): This continuously updating map shows current auroral intensity and location with a 30-40 minute lead time based on solar wind measurements.

  • My Aurora Forecast & Aurora Alerts: These apps provide location-specific notifications when the Kp index reaches thresholds likely to produce visible auroras at your latitude. Set alerts for Kp 7+ when aurora hunting in Utah.

What to Pack

  • Layer Up: Utah nights can be extremely cold, especially in winter. Dress in warm layers, bring blankets, and prepare for temperatures 20-30 degrees below daytime highs.

  • Bring Supplies: Thermos with hot beverages, snacks, hand warmers, and chairs or sleeping pads for comfortable viewing.

  • Safety First: Let someone know your plans, bring flashlights and backup navigation, and be aware of wildlife. Cell service may be limited in remote dark-sky locations.

Photography Preparation

  • Camera Settings: Use manual mode with wide aperture (f/1.4-f/2.8), ISO 1600-3200, and exposures of 10-25 seconds. A wide-angle lens (14-24mm) captures more sky.

  • Essential Equipment: Sturdy tripod, extra batteries (cold drains power quickly), remote shutter release or timer, headlamp with red light mode, and lens cleaning cloth.

  • Composition Tips: Include foreground elements like trees, water, or rock formations to create depth. Utah's dramatic landscapes offer world-class aurora photography opportunities when conditions align.

Frequently Asked Questions About Seeing the Northern Lights in Utah

Yes, but sightings are rare and require exceptional circumstances. During severe to extreme geomagnetic storms (Kp 7-9), the aurora borealis can extend far enough south to be visible from northern Utah, typically appearing as a faint glow on the northern horizon. Major events in October and November 2024 produced visible auroras across much of Utah, demonstrating that these displays, while uncommon, are definitely possible during peak solar activity.

Historically, visible auroral displays in Utah occur only a few times per decade during the most powerful solar storms. However, during solar maximum periods like the current Solar Cycle 25 (2024-2026), the frequency increases. Utah may experience 2-5 visible aurora events per year during peak solar activity, though most will be faint and require optimal viewing conditions.

Northern Utah locations like Antelope Island and Bear Lake may see faint auroral activity at Kp 7, with better visibility at Kp 8-9. Central and southern Utah typically require Kp 9 (extreme geomagnetic storm) for any aurora visibility. For the best chance of a memorable display, wait for forecasts of Kp 8 or higher.

While auroras can technically occur any time of year, September through April offers the best viewing conditions due to longer hours of darkness and typically clearer skies. The equinox periods (March and September) historically see increased geomagnetic activity. Winter months provide the longest dark periods, allowing more time to spot auroral displays.

Your eyes are sufficient to spot bright auroral displays, though binoculars can help identify faint glows on the horizon. However, a camera with manual settings significantly enhances the experience—long exposures reveal colors and structures invisible to the naked eye at Utah's latitude. A camera often shows vivid greens and reds where you might see only a white or pale glow.

Auroras in Alaska occur frequently and often display dramatic overhead curtains, coronas, and dancing lights across the entire sky. In Utah, auroras are rare events that typically appear as static glows or arcs low on the northern horizon. Alaska experiences aurora activity 200+ nights per year, while Utah might see visible displays 2-5 times annually during solar maximum. Utah's auroras are best appreciated through photography, while Alaska offers vivid displays visible to the naked eye.

During extreme geomagnetic storms (Kp 9), faint auroral glows have been photographed from within Salt Lake City limits, typically appearing as a red glow on the northern horizon. However, light pollution severely limits visibility. For the best chance of seeing auroras during Utah events, travel to designated dark-sky parks at least 40-50 miles from major urban centers.

Monitor NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center for geomagnetic storm watches and warnings. Sign up for aurora alert apps that notify you when the Kp index reaches 7 or higher. Follow local astronomy groups and dark-sky park social media for real-time updates from aurora chasers. When strong solar activity is forecast, clear your schedule and head to dark-sky locations, as these events can develop with as little as 30 minutes notice once solar wind reaches Earth.

While Alaska offers regular Northern Lights tours, Utah's auroral rarity makes scheduled tours impractical. However, companies like Southwest Adventure Tours occasionally organize last-minute aurora viewing expeditions to locations like Antelope Island when strong geomagnetic activity is forecast. Contact local astronomy clubs and dark-sky parks for information about special aurora viewing events during major solar storms.

Glow Big or Glow Home: Your Aurora Adventure Awaits

While chasing the aurora borealis in Utah requires patience, preparation, and a measure of luck, witnessing this rare celestial phenomenon from the Beehive State's stunning landscapes creates an unforgettable experience.

The combination of Utah's world-class dark skies, dramatic natural scenery, and occasional powerful geomagnetic storms means that dedicated aurora hunters can succeed in capturing this elusive display.

Besides hunting auroras, Utah is also home to tons of Hollywood history. In fact, many famous films had scenes shot right in the state. Check out our blog about 25 famous movies filmed in Utah to see if one of your favorite movies makes the list!

For more travel guides and tips for exploring Utah, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.


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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.

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