Mancos Mesa Wilderness Study Area
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 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: 71/100. 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 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
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep, stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
- Check availability →
Ticaboo Lodge By Magnuson Worldwide
27.3 km away · Ticaboo · darkness at hotel: 88/100
- Check availability →
Defiance House Lodge
28.2 km away · Bullfrog · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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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