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
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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