Mount Pennell Wilderness Study Area
1 place to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Mount Pennell 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: 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 Mount Pennell Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 54% | 59/100 |
| February | 59% | 63/100 |
| March | 57% | 62/100 |
| April | 66% | 68/100 |
| May | 69% | 70/100 |
| June | 75% | 75/100 |
| July | 65% | 67/100 |
| August | 68% | 70/100 |
| September ★ | 80% | 79/100 |
| October | 73% | 74/100 |
| November | 71% | 72/100 |
| December | 58% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Mount Pennell 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 Mount Pennell Wilderness Study Area for each.
#1Ticaboo 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
- 28.2 km
- Location
- Ticaboo
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Ticaboo
Ticaboo is the closest base to Mount Pennell 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
- Strike Valley Overlook 14.4 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Mount Hillers Wilderness Study Area 18.3 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Halls Creek Overlook 18.7 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area 25.6 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Escalante Canyons Tract 1 Instant Study Area 26.9 km · Sky Score 69/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).