Goblin Valley State Park
2 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Goblin Valley State Park is a protected area in Utah with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ 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 80% 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 80%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Goblin Valley State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 55% | 60/100 |
| February | 60% | 63/100 |
| March | 58% | 62/100 |
| April | 65% | 67/100 |
| May | 66% | 68/100 |
| June | 76% | 75/100 |
| July | 67% | 69/100 |
| August | 71% | 72/100 |
| September ★ | 80% | 78/100 |
| October | 74% | 73/100 |
| November | 70% | 70/100 |
| December | 60% | 63/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Goblin Valley State Park: 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 Goblin Valley State Park 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
- 38.4 km
- Location
- Caineville
76/100sky darkness at this stay
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Live prices around Caineville
Caineville is the closest base to Goblin Valley State Park 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
- Middle Wild Horse Mesa Wilderness 12.4 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Hidden Splendor Overlook 20.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Red's Canyon Wilderness 21.5 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Sedgers Hole Overlook 26 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Reds Canyon Overlook 26.4 km · Sky Score 67/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).