The night sky is about to put on a show, and communities across the American West are ready to help people experience it up close. As 2026 approaches, stargazers, nature lovers, and anyone craving a little wonder are preparing for the arrival of the Full Wolf Moon—a celestial event that promises not only a dazzling visual spectacle, but also a series of immersive, community-driven gatherings from Arizona to Utah and California.
According to Night Sky Tourist, in partnership with the Town of Fountain Hills, Arizona, a new schedule of Dark Sky events is set for 2026, all designed to connect visitors with the desert landscape and the night sky in one of the world’s rare International Dark Sky Communities. Vicky Derksen, founder of Night Sky Tourist, will lead the programs, which invite participants to slow down, tune into nature’s rhythms, and rediscover the wonder of the night sky. “Whether you’re walking under a full moon or writing at twilight, each experience is designed to deepen your connection to the desert and the cosmos,” Derksen said in a recent press release.
The schedule kicks off with the Full Wolf Moon Walk on January 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.—an event promising a meditative twilight stroll through the Sonoran Desert, culminating in the dramatic rise of the Wolf Moon. Over the months that follow, the program includes gatherings such as Fire & Stars on February 3, a creative Desert Twilight Writing Workshop on April 1, and a rare Full Blue Moon Walk on May 31, each blending natural observation with storytelling, creative reflection, and, of course, stargazing. Some events are free, including the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice sunrise hikes, while others require tickets or registration at nightskytourist.com. Space is limited, and early signups are encouraged to secure a spot under the stars.
But what exactly makes this Wolf Moon so special? According to NASA and reporting by Mashable, the moon is currently in its Waxing Crescent phase, with just 6% of its surface illuminated as of December 22, 2025. That means the moon is coming back from complete darkness, and over the next few nights, it will grow bigger and brighter, soon revealing its craters and mares. The lunar cycle, which lasts about 29.5 days, takes the moon through eight main phases—from New Moon to Full Moon and back again. The next full moon, the Wolf Moon, will reach its peak on January 3, 2026, offering a brilliant display for skywatchers.
For those in California, the Wolf Moon isn’t just any full moon—it’s the first of three supermoons in 2026, as reported by The Desert Sun. A supermoon occurs when a full moon is at or near its closest point to Earth, known as perigee, making it appear especially large and bright in the sky. According to NASA, this phenomenon happens three to four times a year, and the Wolf Moon will be the fourth in a series of supermoons that began in late 2025. Californians can expect the moon to rise in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego just after 4 p.m. on January 2, with the moon reaching peak illumination at 2:03 a.m. on January 3, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. NASA notes that a full moon appears full for a couple of days, so there’s a generous window to catch the spectacle.
The name “Wolf Moon” has deep roots. The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains that January’s full moon earned its moniker because wolves were more likely to be heard howling at this time of year—howling to locate pack members, reinforce social bonds, define territory, and coordinate hunting. Other names, such as the Center Moon (from the Assiniboine people) and the Frost Exploding Moon (from the Cree), reflect the season’s cold and the moon’s central place in winter’s darkness.
The astronomical drama doesn’t end with the moon itself. According to When the Curves Line Up, from January 2 to 4, 2026, the Full Wolf Moon will approach and pass the planet Jupiter near Pollux in the Gemini constellation during the early evening hours. Jupiter, nearing opposition and shining as the brightest starlike body in the night sky, will be especially prominent. On the evening of January 3, the Full Moon will appear below an imaginary line from Jupiter to Pollux, all three fitting tightly into a single binocular field—a rare treat for both amateur and seasoned astronomers. The moon will rise and set near its northernmost points, an event that repeats on an 18.6-year cycle, making this year’s Wolf Moon even more noteworthy. Such northernmost rises and sets have been observed at ancient sites like Chimney Rock National Monument and the Newark Earthworks, though archaeologists still debate how these lunar events were woven into the cultures of the Ancestral Pueblo and Hopewell peoples.
Meanwhile, in Park City, Utah, the Wasatch Women Mountain Collective, supported by outdoor brand Stio and Wasatch Adventure Guides, is gearing up for another winter season of full moon snowshoe hikes. As reported by TownLift, these free, guided outings begin on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 6 p.m., starting from Stio’s Mountain Studio on Main Street. The program, now in its third year, is designed to foster inclusivity, accessibility, and community building among women of all experience levels. “Whether someone is brand new to snowshoeing or very familiar with the trails, the goal is to create a welcoming, low-pressure environment where people can just show up and enjoy being outside together,” said Molly Henne, operations manager for Wasatch Adventure Guides.
After each snowshoe hike, participants gather back at the studio for hot cocoa or chai and social time—a tradition that’s become a highlight for locals and newcomers alike. Rental gear is available for those who need it, and guides provide brief orientations to ensure everyone feels comfortable. Registration is free, and details are available on the Wasatch Adventure Guides website, with early signups encouraged as winter conditions evolve. “What’s been really special is seeing how diverse the group is,” Henne noted. “You’ll have people who’ve lived here for decades hiking alongside someone who just moved to town. Sometimes they realize they’re neighbors while they’re out on the trail.”
As the Wolf Moon rises, it’s clear that its luminous presence is more than just a calendar event—it’s an opportunity for connection, reflection, and awe. Whether you’re wandering the Sonoran Desert by moonlight, snowshoeing under the Utah sky, or simply gazing up from your backyard, the first supermoon of 2026 promises a reminder of nature’s enduring ability to bring people together and inspire wonder.
