Dark Canyon ISA Complex
5 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Dark Canyon ISA Complex 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 78% 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 78%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Dark Canyon ISA Complex
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 55% | 60/100 |
| February | 59% | 63/100 |
| March | 57% | 62/100 |
| April | 64% | 67/100 |
| May | 67% | 69/100 |
| June | 75% | 75/100 |
| July | 64% | 67/100 |
| August | 69% | 71/100 |
| September ★ | 78% | 78/100 |
| October | 72% | 73/100 |
| November | 70% | 71/100 |
| December | 57% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Dark Canyon ISA Complex: 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 Dark Canyon ISA Complex for each.
86/100sky darkness at this stay
#2Domes at Canyonlands
9.0Guests love it(72 reviews)
Domes at Canyonlands offers comfortable accommodations with air-conditioning, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms, along with a beautiful garden and outdoor fireplace perfect for stargazing evenings. The property features free WiFi and on-site parking, with picnic spots and seating areas to enjoy the night sky.
- Sky darkness
- 72/100
- To the spot
- 60.5 km
- Location
- Montucello
#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
- 60.7 km
- Location
- Blanding
More stays nearby
- Check availability →
Blue Sage Inn
Darkness: 59/100 · 60.9 km from Dark Canyon ISA Complex · Blanding
- Check availability →
Gateway Inn
Darkness: 59/100 · 61 km from Dark Canyon ISA Complex
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Blanding
Blanding is the closest base to Dark Canyon ISA Complex 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
- Gypsum Canyon Overlook 9.6 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area 26.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Druid Arch Viewpoint 27.4 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Fiddler Butte Wilderness Study Area 28.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Hite Overlook 30.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).