Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area
5 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in Utah with a measured darkness of 94/100 (≈ 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 77% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 34/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 77%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 54% | 59/100 |
| February | 60% | 64/100 |
| March | 57% | 62/100 |
| April | 65% | 68/100 |
| May | 68% | 70/100 |
| June | 75% | 76/100 |
| July | 63% | 66/100 |
| August | 67% | 69/100 |
| September ★ | 77% | 77/100 |
| October | 72% | 73/100 |
| November | 70% | 71/100 |
| December | 57% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area: 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 Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area for each.
92/100sky darkness at this stay
Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast
- Sky darkness
- 92/100
- To the spot
- 48.1 km
- Location
- Mexican Hat
86/100sky darkness at this stay
#3Stone Lizard Lodging
9.3Guests love it(523 reviews)
Stone Lizard Lodging offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and free parking, along with a garden to enjoy during your stay. Positioned conveniently for exploring nearby Natural Bridges National Monument, Monument Valley, and Mesa Verde National Park, this motel provides a practical base for stargazing adventures in the region.
- Sky darkness
- 59/100
- To the spot
- 52.2 km
- Location
- Blanding
More stays nearby
- Check availability →
Blue Sage Inn
Darkness: 59/100 · 52.3 km from Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area · Blanding
- Check availability →
Gateway Inn
Darkness: 59/100 · 52.5 km from Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Blanding
Blanding is the closest base to Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area 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 10.8 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Dark Canyon ISA Complex 26.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Bears Ears National Monument 31.2 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Mancos Mesa Wilderness Study Area 33.3 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Gypsum Canyon Overlook 35.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).