Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
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 we have rated: 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: 33/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 81%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 54% | 56/100 |
| February | 61% | 62/100 |
| March | 59% | 60/100 |
| April | 69% | 67/100 |
| May | 72% | 69/100 |
| June | 80% | 74/100 |
| July | 63% | 63/100 |
| August | 67% | 66/100 |
| September ★ | 81% | 75/100 |
| October | 76% | 72/100 |
| November | 73% | 70/100 |
| December | 59% | 60/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Vermilion Cliffs National Monument: sleep under a dark sky
We measured the night sky over each stay below, not just over the spot: the darkness score is computed at the hotel's own location, so you know what you'll see from the door. Sorted darkest sky first, with the distance to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument for each.
89/100sky darkness at this stay
89/100sky darkness at this stay
89/100sky darkness at this stay
More stays nearby
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Lee's Ferry Lodge
Darkness: 88/100 · 12.3 km from Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
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Lee's Ferry Lodge at Vermilion Cliffs
Darkness: 88/100 · 12.3 km from Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
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Marble Canyon Lodge
Darkness: 85/100 · 15.2 km from Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
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Camp Sarika at Amangiri
Darkness: 82/100 · 26.7 km from Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
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Amangiri
Darkness: 79/100 · 25.7 km from Vermilion Cliffs National Monument
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Live prices around Coconino County
Coconino County is the closest base to Vermilion Cliffs National Monument with rooms to book. The map shows everything available there right now, including the hotels, apartments and cabins we do not rate. Use the stays above when darkness decides, use the map when price or availability does.
Prices and availability come from the booking partners shown on the map, and we earn a commission on bookings made through it. Sky darkness is measured only for the stays listed above.
Nearby spots in Arizona
- Jacob Lake Lookout Tower 39.6 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Le Fevre Overlook 39.9 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Fire Point 72.9 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Crystal Canyon Viewpoint 74 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Walhalla Overlook 79.9 km · Sky Score 67/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).