Horseshoe Canyon Unit
Horseshoe Canyon Unit 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 79% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 70/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 8% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 69%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Horseshoe Canyon Unit
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 58/100 |
| February | 58% | 62/100 |
| March | 56% | 61/100 |
| April | 63% | 65/100 |
| May | 64% | 66/100 |
| June | 73% | 73/100 |
| July | 65% | 67/100 |
| August | 69% | 70/100 |
| September ★ | 79% | 77/100 |
| October | 72% | 72/100 |
| November | 68% | 69/100 |
| December | 58% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Horseshoe Canyon Unit
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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Whispering Sands
44.2 km away · darkness at hotel: 76/100
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Moab Under Canvas
51.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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SpringHill Suites Moab
56.8 km away · Moab · darkness at hotel: 66/100
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Adobe Abode Bed & Breakfast
56.9 km away · Moab · darkness at hotel: 57/100
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Moab
56.9 km away · Moab · darkness at hotel: 66/100
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Nearby spots in Utah
- Horseshoe Canyon (North) Wilderness Study Area 4.9 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Horseshoe Canyon (South) Wilderness Study Area 12.5 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Oilwell Overlook 22.3 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Maze District 26.8 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Dirty Devil Wilderness Study Area 27.8 km · Sky Score 67/100