French Spring-Happy Canyon Wilderness Study Area
5 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
French Spring-Happy 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 78% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 38/100. The moon is 93% lit and above the horizon 92% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 78%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at French Spring-Happy Canyon Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 51% | 57/100 |
| February | 58% | 62/100 |
| March | 57% | 61/100 |
| April | 63% | 66/100 |
| May | 66% | 68/100 |
| June | 74% | 74/100 |
| July | 64% | 67/100 |
| August | 69% | 71/100 |
| September ★ | 78% | 78/100 |
| October | 72% | 73/100 |
| November | 69% | 71/100 |
| December | 57% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near French Spring-Happy 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 French Spring-Happy Canyon Wilderness Study Area for each.
#1Darkest sky of these staysCathedral Valley Inn
8.4Very well rated(508 reviews)
Cathedral Valley Inn offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and Smart TVs, a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary continental breakfast, all surrounded by Utah's stunning desert landscape. The unique bentonite hills right behind the inn are perfect for walks and stargazing, while Capitol Reef National Park's world-class hiking and scenic drives are just a short drive away.
- Sky darkness
- 93/100
- To the spot
- 68.7 km
- Location
- Caineville
#2Ticaboo Lodge By Magnuson Worldwide
7.8Well rated(79 reviews)
Ticaboo Lodge offers comfortable family rooms with mountain views, air-conditioning, and modern amenities including refrigerators and work desks, along with an outdoor swimming pool and barbecue facilities. The peaceful location near lakes makes it an ideal base for fishing, hiking, and cycling, with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the natural surroundings.
- Sky darkness
- 88/100
- To the spot
- 70.9 km
- Location
- Ticaboo
84/100sky darkness at this stay
More stays nearby
- Check availability →
Whispering Sands
Darkness: 76/100 · 44.2 km from French Spring-Happy Canyon Wilderness Study Area
- Check availability →
Adobe Abode Bed & Breakfast
Darkness: 57/100 · 71.6 km from French Spring-Happy Canyon Wilderness Study Area · Moab
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Caineville
Caineville is the closest base to French Spring-Happy 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
- Burr Point Overlook 19.3 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Fiddler Butte Wilderness Study Area 23.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Canyonlands National Park 25.9 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Gypsum Canyon Overlook 27.9 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Dark Canyon ISA Complex 35.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).