Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
3 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area 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 74% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 34/100. The moon is 93% lit and above the horizon 92% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 74%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 41% | 47/100 |
| February | 50% | 53/100 |
| March | 47% | 51/100 |
| April | 53% | 56/100 |
| May | 51% | 54/100 |
| June | 65% | 64/100 |
| July | 68% | 66/100 |
| August | 72% | 69/100 |
| September ★ | 74% | 70/100 |
| October | 62% | 62/100 |
| November | 46% | 51/100 |
| December | 35% | 42/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Flaming Gorge National Recreation 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 Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area for each.
89/100sky darkness at this stay
87/100sky darkness at this stay
73/100sky darkness at this stay
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Dutch John
Dutch John is the closest base to Flaming Gorge National Recreation 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
- Red Fleet State Park 65.3 km · Sky Score 52/100
- Steinaker State Park 71.8 km · Sky Score 47/100
- Dinosaur National Monument 88.4 km · Sky Score 59/100
- Starvation State Park 136.7 km · Sky Score 50/100
- Rockport State Park 164.6 km · Sky Score 44/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).