Bears Ears National Monument
8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Bears Ears National Monument is a protected area in Utah 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 75% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 31/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 75%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Bears Ears National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 55/100 |
| February | 59% | 60/100 |
| March | 56% | 57/100 |
| April | 64% | 63/100 |
| May | 66% | 65/100 |
| June | 73% | 70/100 |
| July | 60% | 60/100 |
| August | 64% | 63/100 |
| September ★ | 75% | 71/100 |
| October | 71% | 68/100 |
| November | 69% | 67/100 |
| December | 56% | 58/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Bears Ears 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 Bears Ears National Monument for each.
86/100sky darkness at this stay
61/100sky darkness at this stay
61/100sky darkness at this stay
More stays nearby
- Check availability →
Arch Canyon Inn
Darkness: 61/100 · 21.4 km from Bears Ears National Monument · Blanding
- Check availability →
Blue Sage Inn
Darkness: 59/100 · 21.2 km from Bears Ears National Monument · Blanding
Check availability →Stone Lizard Lodging
Darkness: 59/100 · 9.3 Guests love it (523 reviews) · 21.2 km from Bears Ears National Monument · Blanding
- Check availability →
Gateway Inn
Darkness: 59/100 · 21.4 km from Bears Ears National Monument
- Check availability →
Four Corners Inn
Darkness: 59/100 · 21.5 km from Bears Ears National Monument · Blanding
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Blanding
Blanding is the closest base to Bears Ears 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 Utah
- Natural Bridges National Monument 25.4 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area 31.3 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Dark Canyon ISA Complex 44 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Muley Point Overlook 44.3 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Gypsum Canyon Overlook 50.5 km · Sky Score 68/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).