Mancos Mesa Wilderness Study Area
2 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Mancos Mesa 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 80% 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 80%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Mancos Mesa Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 51% | 57/100 |
| February | 59% | 63/100 |
| March | 59% | 63/100 |
| April | 67% | 69/100 |
| May | 71% | 72/100 |
| June | 78% | 77/100 |
| July | 66% | 68/100 |
| August | 69% | 71/100 |
| September ★ | 80% | 79/100 |
| October | 73% | 74/100 |
| November | 69% | 71/100 |
| December | 55% | 60/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Mancos Mesa 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 Mancos Mesa Wilderness Study Area for each.
#1Darkest sky of these staysTicaboo 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
- 27.3 km
- Location
- Ticaboo
84/100sky darkness at this stay
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Live prices around Bullfrog
Bullfrog is the closest base to Mancos Mesa 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
- Little Rockies Wilderness Study Area 31.1 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area 33.4 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Hite Overlook 35.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area 35.5 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Natural Bridges National Monument 36.2 km · Sky Score 67/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).