Exploring Dark Parks - Day Hikes & Dark Skies
Academic Noncredit
This class will involve overnight camping, day hikes, and dark sky exploration. It will take us into Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and surrounding public lands to explore a sampling of trails, arches, vistas, overlooks, and the celebrated dark skies of Southern Utah. From our base camp at Dead Horse Point State Park, we will venture out by foot during the day to explore what the area offers. At night we will journey into the cosmos to learn about the celebrated dark skies of southern Utah, explore cultural interpretations of constellations, and learn why our state has more dark sky parks than any other in the nation. This class has two class meetings and a field experience associated with it. Attendance at both class meetings is mandatory.
This noncredit class meets with a regular University of Utah credit course.
Online book and material fees may be added up until the first week of class. Students may opt out during the first two weeks of class. For more information, visit the Campus Store Inclusive Access Program's webpage. If you opt out, you will be responsible for obtaining the course materials yourself for the course.
Questions? Call Academic Programs at 801-585-9963 or use our online form.
Class Sections For Exploring Dark Parks - Day Hikes & Dark Skies (PRTL 258)
Fall 2025 Section 1, Starting on: 10/01/2025
From our base camp in Southern Utah, we will explore the trails, vistas, and overlooks during the day. At night, we journey to the cosmos and hope the celebrated dark skies will delight us as we explore cultural interpretations of constellations and learn why our state has more dark sky parks than any other in the nation. This course has two pre-trip meetings, day hikes, dark sky exploration, and overnight camping. Camping is required. Class meets on-campus Oct 1 and at the Clark Planetarium (downtown SLC) on Oct 15. Attendance at both class meetings is mandatory. Field experience will be from Oct 17-19. Overnight camping. *Drops are not possible after the second day following the first class meeting.* To determine the last day to drop this miscellaneous course, see http://registrar.utah.edu/handbook/miscellaneous.php There may be additional expenses that students will need to cover to participate in this course. These items may include food, gear rentals, and transportation costs. More details will be made available during the pre-course meeting.
| Date(s) | Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/01/25 | W | 6:00 pm -9:00 pm | HPER NORTH 229 |
| 10/15/25 | W | 6:00 pm -9:00 pm | TBA |
Instructor: KATE MAGARGAL
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Questions? Call Academic Programs at 801-585-9963 or use our online form.
