Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

Sky Score 68/100≈ Bortle 2

8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓

Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument 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 Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January52%57/100
February60%63/100
March58%62/100
April68%69/100
May71%72/100
June78%76/100
July65%67/100
August69%70/100
September ★80%78/100
October74%74/100
November72%72/100
December57%61/100

Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near Grand Staircase–Escalante 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 Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument for each.

Canyon Country Lodge#1Darkest sky of these stays

Canyon Country Lodge

9.2Guests love it(379 reviews)

Canyon Country Lodge offers comfortable rooms with mountain views, air-conditioning, and free WiFi in Escalante, where guests can relax by the swimming pool with a view or unwind in the hot tub and sun terrace. The family-friendly restaurant serves American and barbecue cuisine with gluten-free options, and nearby cycling activities make it a great base for exploring the surrounding landscape.

Sky darkness
75/100
To the spot
27.2 km
Location
Escalante
Check availability →

75/100sky darkness at this stay

#2

Rainbow Country Bed & Breakfast

Sky darkness
75/100
To the spot
27.3 km
Location
Escalante
Check availability →

73/100sky darkness at this stay

#3

Canyons Bed and Breakfast

Sky darkness
73/100
To the spot
28 km
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More stays nearby

  • Padre Motel

    Darkness: 73/100 · 28.1 km from Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

    Check availability →

  • Cowboy Country Inn

    Darkness: 73/100 · 28.1 km from Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

    Check availability →

  • The INN of Escalante

    Darkness: 73/100 · 28.4 km from Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

    Check availability →

  • Circle D

    Darkness: 73/100 · 28.4 km from Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

    Check availability →

  • Circle D Motel

    Darkness: 73/100 · 28.4 km from Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

    Check availability →

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Live prices around Escalante

Escalante is the closest base to Grand Staircase–Escalante 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

Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).