Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Sky Score 66/100≈ Bortle 2

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 89/100 (≈ 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 September, when about 81% 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 67%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January54%56/100
February61%62/100
March59%60/100
April69%67/100
May72%69/100
June80%74/100
July63%63/100
August67%66/100
September ★81%75/100
October76%72/100
November73%70/100
December59%60/100

Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument

Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.

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Nearby spots in Arizona