Bluff, Utah
About
Bluff, Utah is a small close-knit community located in the Four Corners Area of the Southwest United States, at the heart of the Colorado Plateau. The landscape is composed of high desert, red rock formations, and the San Juan River making it an ideal place for hiking, rafting, and enjoying the outdoors. While the population is under 300 people, Bluff acts as a geographic hub for the surrounding areas on the Navajo Nation. Bluff’s ties to the Indigenous peoples of this area contributes to a rich cultural history and a deep respect for the land.
As outlined in Bluff’s General and Long-Term Strategic Plans, respect for the land and sky has long been a community priority. Since 2016, the town has hosted an annual star party at Bluff Elementary featuring dark sky conservation talks, Indigenous star stories, constellation tours, and telescope viewing. What began as a school-based initiative quickly expanded to nearby communities including Montezuma Creek and Monument Valley.
To ensure and protect dark sky preservation, Bluff adopted an exterior lighting ordinance to ensure that homes and businesses use night-sky-friendly lighting. Furthermore, the Bears Ears Partnership – a nonprofit working to protect the natural and cultural landscapes of Bears Ears National Monument – has agreed to provide at least two dark-sky educational programs per year, as well as conduct sky quality monitoring on a seasonal basis. This collaborative effort reflects the town’s dedication to defending the night sky through education, community engagement, and sustainable public policy.
This charming town at the edge of southeastern Utah has much to offer when it comes to dark sky enjoyment. Bluff’s proximity to other Dark Sky Parks including the Natural Bridges National Monument, Goosenecks State Park, and Hovenweep National Monument makes it a prime destination for astrotourism. While the night sky is visible from nearly anywhere in town, designated stargazing locations provide unobstructed views along with educational materials about Bluff and the importance of its exceptional night skies.Â
The Bears Ears Partnership will host monthly Star Parties, giving residents and visitors a chance to fully immerse themselves in Bluff’s breathtaking nightscape. In celebration of our Dark Sky Community designation, Bluff invites everyone to gather under the stars, experience the night, and learn about Indigenous astronomy, at the first annual Dark Sky Festival taking place November 14th-15th, 2025. Visit www.townofbluffutah.gov to learn more.
Designated
2025
Category
International Dark Sky Community
Address
190 N 3rd E ST, STE #1
Bluff, UT 84512
Google Maps
Contact
Sarah Burak
Education Director, Bears Ears Partnership
+1 (435) 414-0343 x 709
[email protected]
Erin Nelson
Town Manager, Town of Bluff
+1 (435) 269-0021
[email protected]
Michael Rymer
DarkSky International, Program Associate
+1 (520) 347-6365
[email protected]
Land area
95.9 km²
Documents
Application
Announcement
Annual Reports
Weather
Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for enjoying dark skies in Bluff, Utah (37.29, -109.55).
