North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area
8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area is a protected area in Utah with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ 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 North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 58/100 |
| February | 59% | 63/100 |
| March | 59% | 62/100 |
| April | 68% | 69/100 |
| May | 71% | 71/100 |
| June | 77% | 76/100 |
| July | 67% | 68/100 |
| August | 70% | 70/100 |
| September ★ | 80% | 78/100 |
| October | 74% | 74/100 |
| November | 72% | 72/100 |
| December | 58% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant 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 North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area for each.
#1Darkest sky of these staysBoulder Mountain Guest Ranch
8.7Very well rated(205 reviews)
Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch offers family rooms with private balconies and mountain views, alongside a sun terrace and garden perfect for evening stargazing. The property provides a peaceful base for nature exploration, with hiking and cycling opportunities in the surrounding area, plus a family-friendly restaurant serving diverse cuisines.
- Sky darkness
- 92/100
- To the spot
- 24 km
- Location
- Boulder
91/100sky darkness at this stay
Annie's Place Bed & Breakfast
- Sky darkness
- 91/100
- To the spot
- 18.7 km
- Location
- Boulder
90/100sky darkness at this stay
More stays nearby
- Check availability →
Circle Cliffs Motel
Darkness: 90/100 · 19 km from North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area
Check availability →Canyon Country Lodge
Darkness: 75/100 · 9.2 Guests love it (379 reviews) · 26.1 km from North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area · Escalante
- Check availability →
Rainbow Country Bed & Breakfast
Darkness: 75/100 · 26.2 km from North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area · Escalante
- Check availability →
Canyons Bed and Breakfast
Darkness: 73/100 · 26.8 km from North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area
- Check availability →
Padre Motel
Darkness: 73/100 · 27 km from North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Boulder
Boulder is the closest base to North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant 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
- Photopoint 14.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Steep Creek Wilderness Study Area 15.7 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Long Canyon Overlook 17.1 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Escalante Canyons Tract 1 Instant Study Area 17.2 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Devils Garden Outstanding Natural Area 23.5 km · Sky Score 68/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).