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