Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument

Sky Score 68/100≈ Bortle 2

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 in the American Southwest, 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: 70/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 69%. 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

Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep, stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.

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Nearby spots in Utah