Top Utah Wildlife Watching in 2026

Space education is more than memorizing planets or knowing which star is which—it’s about understanding our place in a vast, incredible universe. It sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and invites people to ask questions. At Dark Skies Astronomy Tours, education is at the heart of everything we do. Sure, we love the “wow” moments when someone sees Saturn’s rings for the first time—but we also love when a guest leaves knowing how to find the North Star, explain what a nebula is, or share a constellation’s myth with a friend. We believe everyone should feel empowered to look up and understand what they’re seeing. Our tours are designed to be as informative as they are inspiring, blending hands-on telescope viewing with storytelling, sky lore, and the science behind the stars. Whether you're a kid with big dreams, an adult reigniting childhood curiosity, or just someone who loves learning new things, we’re here to guide you through the cosmos, one constellation at a time.

This is more than a sightseeing drive. Your guides are a Utah locals and former African safari guides who bring a naturalist’s approach to exploring Antelope Island, connecting the wildlife, landscape, ecology, and history into a deeper understanding of the place. With a maximum of six guests, the experience stays small, relaxed, and personal. We can spend more time watching wildlife, asking questions, photographing a scene, or exploring an interesting stop instead of following the pace of a large bus tour. Want more flexibility or exclusivity? Our Private Antelope Island State Park Tour is designed for guests who want their group only and greater freedom to shape the pace around photography, birding, family needs, or a special occasion. Prefer the island at its most atmospheric? Our Great Salt Lake Sunset Safari Tour combines wildlife exploration with evening light, golden-hour photography, and sunset over the Great Salt Lake or visit safariutah.com

Immerse yourself in the Great Salt Lake’s unique and dramatic scenery—without worrying about logistics—on this small-group, half-day hiking tour. Explore Antelope Island State Park on a short hike, look out for wildlife from bison and bighorn sheep to local birds at Fielding Garr Ranch, and discover the best nature-viewing areas, all with a guide to lead the way.

Explore the slot canyons of East Zion and ride to and from the canyons in a Can Am UTV during this adventure tour. Our guides drive you in the UTV, so you can sit back and enjoy this exciting off-road experience. Traverse rough terrain to reach the canyons then wander around on foot to explore the deepest parts of these remote areas. Be sure to bring a camera for frame-worthy photos.

See the sites of Lower Monument Valley that even tour guides can’t get enough of on this 3-hour sunrise or sunset excursion. Guides custom create itineraries that feature their favorite points in the valley in addition to must-see formations, transporting you in an all-terrain vehicle to sites far off the beaten path.

Utah's wilderness is easily accessible from downtown Salt Lake when you visit Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. The island contains beautiful scenery, sprawling lakeside vistas, and plenty of wildlife. We'll look out for the herd of 600 American Bison roaming the island, as well as coyote, bobcat, antelope, porcupine, big-horn sheep, mule deer, and seasonal migratory birds. Afterwards, hike to Buffalo Point via a moderate and well traveled .9 mile trail to catch the sunset.

The Narrows Hike is one of three bucket list hikes in Zion, and the only one that doesn't require a permit unless you plan to camp miles upriver. The slot canyon is deep and very dramatic with spectacular and sometimes surprising views the entire way. The dry trail in and out is flat, and paved but astonishingly beautiful. In addition, wading in the water provides a low impact core workout. At one point along the way there is a giant boulder in the river that is perfect for posed picture taking, there are warm-water springs all along the way, tiny birds that walk underwater, hundreds of trees damaged by rockfall, the world's tiniest snail, and water seeping out of solid rock. This is truly a marvelous hike with spectacular scenery and many educational opportunities.

Explore Moab’s desert beauty with your family while splashing your way down Class II rapids on the mighty Colorado. Spend 2 hours floating past scenic red rock landscapes as your raft guide points out the fascinating natural history that makes it unforgettable. There's no better way to appreciate this terrain than by floating down the river that carved it.

Discover Monument Valley alongside a local Navajo guide in an open-air safari vehicle. Venture into exclusive areas of Monument Valley that are only reachable through this tour. Appreciate famous sites like the West and East Mitten Buttes and the Totem Pole. Gain insights into the culture, history, and traditions of the Navajo Nation. Experience the closeness of a small-group tour.