Phantom Overlook
Phantom Overlook is a scenic viewpoint in Arizona with a measured darkness of 90/100 (≈ Bortle 2) — among the very darkest measurable skies in the American Southwest — the Milky Way casts visible shadows on moonless nights. The best month to come is typically June, when about 80% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 65/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 66%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Phantom Overlook
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 51% | 54/100 |
| February | 61% | 62/100 |
| March | 58% | 60/100 |
| April | 70% | 69/100 |
| May | 75% | 72/100 |
| June ★ | 80% | 76/100 |
| July | 62% | 63/100 |
| August | 66% | 66/100 |
| September | 81% | 76/100 |
| October | 77% | 73/100 |
| November | 72% | 70/100 |
| December | 57% | 59/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Phantom Overlook
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
- Check availability →
Phantom Ranch Lodge and Canteen
0.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Yavapai Lodge
6.1 km away · Grand Canyon · darkness at hotel: 85/100
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Kachina Lodge
6.7 km away · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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El Tovar Hotel
6.7 km away · Grand Canyon · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Thunderbird Lodge
6.8 km away · Grand Canyon · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Bright Angel Lodge
6.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Maswik Lodge
7.4 km away · Grand Canyon Village · darkness at hotel: 85/100
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Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel
15 km away · Tusayan · darkness at hotel: 69/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Arizona
- Coconino Overlook — 12.8 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Walhalla Overlook — 13.8 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Grandview Point — 15.1 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Vista Encantada — 17.5 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Point Sublime — 17.6 km · Sky Score 68/100