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By day, Moab is a playground of red rock cliffs, slickrock trails, and towering arches. But once the sun dips behind the mesas and the last rays fade from the canyons, something just as magical takes over. The stars
Moab’s dark skies are among the best in the world for stargazing, and the surrounding landscape offers the perfect foreground for unforgettable night views. If you’ve only explored Moab by daylight, you’ve only experienced half the adventure.
At Outlaw Adventure Tours, we believe the desert is just as wild and beautiful after dark. That’s why we offer off-road night tours that take you deep into the backcountry — far from town lights, cell towers, and crowds. Whether you’re chasing meteor showers or just want to see the Milky Way in all its glory, here’s why a nighttime Jeep tour might be the most unforgettable part of your Moab trip.
The desert southwest is famous for clear skies, low humidity, and minimal light pollution — all the right conditions for viewing the night sky. But Moab takes it even further. Surrounded by protected public lands and miles of undeveloped wilderness, this region offers some of the darkest skies in the United States.
Several nearby parks, including Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point, are certified International Dark Sky Parks. That means the area is officially recognized for its pristine stargazing conditions, where even on a moonless night, the stars feel close enough to touch.
When you combine those skies with Moab’s dramatic sandstone formations and remote off-road trails, you get a stargazing experience unlike anywhere else.
Nighttime off-roading gives you a new lens through which to explore the desert. Instead of sunlit trails and red rock views, you’ll be navigating by the glow of your headlights and the soft shine of starlight above.
Here are just a few of the celestial wonders you might spot during a nighttime tour:
Our guides are passionate about both off-roading and the night sky. Many of them can point out constellations, tell the stories behind them, and share tips on spotting satellites, comets, or even the occasional shooting star.
When you book a night tour with Outlaw Adventure Tours, you’re not just along for the ride — you’re stepping into a world that few get to see. With minimal traffic on the trails and the cool desert air replacing the daytime heat, the entire vibe shifts. Everything is quieter. More peaceful. More surreal.
Our guides lead the way in capable, high-clearance Jeeps built for navigating Moab’s famous backcountry terrain. We take you far enough from town to escape the light dome and park in open areas where the sky unfolds above you like a living map of the universe.
Along the way, you’ll climb slickrock ridges, descend sandy washes, and stop at scenic overlooks that feel like secret stargazing theaters. Some guests choose to bring tripods for astrophotography. Others simply stretch out on the hood of the Jeep and take it all in.
Either way, it’s the kind of experience you’ll talk about for years.
Stargazing in Moab is good year-round, but some seasons offer even more celestial treats.
If you're hoping to catch a meteor shower, plan ahead. Popular showers like the Perseids (mid-August) and the Geminids (mid-December) light up the sky with dozens of shooting stars per hour.
For the darkest skies, try to schedule your trip around a new moon, when there is no moonlight washing out the stars. Our guides are happy to help you pick the best date and time based on moon phases and weather conditions.
You don’t need much to enjoy a stargazing Jeep tour, but a few items can make it even better:
Our Jeeps are stocked with water, and our guides are there to assist with both the ride and the skywatching. Whether you're a stargazing beginner or someone who knows their way around a constellation map, we’ll help you make the most of your time under the stars.
Astrophotography can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can capture the night sky like a pro. Here’s how to get started:
We love helping guests capture unforgettable photos. Just ask your guide for the best settings and shooting angles during your tour.
There’s something humbling about staring into the night sky surrounded by ancient canyons. The same cliffs that framed dinosaur paths and river floods now frame your view of the stars. You realize just how old this land is. How vast the universe can feel. And how special it is to be right here, right now.
Moab offers adrenaline and scenery by day, but at night, it gives you a moment of stillness, wonder, and cosmic perspective. Jeeping through the desert under the stars combines the thrill of exploration with the peace of stargazing — and no two tours are ever the same.
At Outlaw Adventure Tours, we offer more than just off-roading. We offer connection — to the land, the sky, and the moment. Our stargazing Jeep tours are perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, and anyone looking to see Moab in a new light.
Ready to escape the ordinary and explore the stars?
Book your nighttime Jeep adventure now and discover why Moab truly shines after dark.
