Vista Encantada
Vista Encantada is a scenic viewpoint in Arizona with a measured darkness of 92/100 (≈ 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: 67/100. 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 Vista Encantada
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 50% | 55/100 |
| February | 60% | 62/100 |
| March | 57% | 61/100 |
| April | 70% | 70/100 |
| May | 74% | 73/100 |
| June | 80% | 77/100 |
| July | 62% | 64/100 |
| August | 66% | 67/100 |
| September ★ | 81% | 78/100 |
| October | 76% | 74/100 |
| November | 72% | 71/100 |
| December | 57% | 60/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Vista Encantada
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
17.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Yavapai Lodge
23.5 km away · Grand Canyon · darkness at hotel: 85/100
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El Tovar Hotel
24.1 km away · Grand Canyon · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Kachina Lodge
24.2 km away · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Thunderbird Lodge
24.3 km away · Grand Canyon · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Bright Angel Lodge
24.4 km away · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Kaibab Lodge
24.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 93/100
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Maswik Lodge
24.9 km away · Grand Canyon Village · darkness at hotel: 85/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Arizona
- Point Imperial — 5.4 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Coconino Overlook — 7.3 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Walhalla Overlook — 11.3 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Bison Watching Spot — 15.9 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Phantom Overlook — 17.5 km · Sky Score 67/100