Dinosaur National Monument
5 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Dinosaur National Monument is a protected area in Utah with a measured darkness of 90/100 (≈ 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: 32/100. 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 Dinosaur National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 36% | 44/100 |
| February | 51% | 55/100 |
| March | 47% | 52/100 |
| April | 54% | 57/100 |
| May | 54% | 57/100 |
| June | 68% | 67/100 |
| July | 67% | 66/100 |
| August | 71% | 69/100 |
| September ★ | 75% | 72/100 |
| October | 67% | 66/100 |
| November | 57% | 59/100 |
| December | 41% | 47/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Dinosaur 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 Dinosaur National Monument for each.
59/100sky darkness at this stay
55/100sky darkness at this stay
53/100sky darkness at this stay
Microtel by Wyndham Vernal / Naples
- Sky darkness
- 53/100
- To the spot
- 49.2 km
- Location
- Naples
More stays nearby
- Check availability →
Split Mountain Motel
Darkness: 52/100 · 49.9 km from Dinosaur National Monument · Vernal
- Check availability →
Landmark Inn and Suites
Darkness: 52/100 · 51 km from Dinosaur National Monument · Vernal
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Naples
Naples is the closest base to Dinosaur 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
- Red Fleet State Park 44.5 km · Sky Score 52/100
- Steinaker State Park 52.2 km · Sky Score 47/100
- Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area 88.7 km · Sky Score 57/100
- Starvation State Park 136.7 km · Sky Score 50/100
- Green River State Park 196.6 km · Sky Score 44/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).