Photopoint
8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Photopoint is a scenic viewpoint in Utah with a measured darkness of 92/100 (≈ 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 Photopoint
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 57/100 |
| February | 59% | 62/100 |
| March | 58% | 61/100 |
| April | 68% | 68/100 |
| May | 71% | 71/100 |
| June | 77% | 75/100 |
| July | 67% | 67/100 |
| August | 70% | 70/100 |
| September ★ | 80% | 77/100 |
| October | 74% | 73/100 |
| November | 72% | 71/100 |
| December | 57% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Photopoint: 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 Photopoint for each.
#1Darkest sky of these staysCanyon Country Lodge
9.2Guests love it(379 reviews)
Canyon Country Lodge offers comfortable rooms with mountain views, air-conditioning, and free WiFi in Escalante, where guests can relax by the swimming pool with a view or unwind in the hot tub and sun terrace. The family-friendly restaurant serves American and barbecue cuisine with gluten-free options, and nearby cycling activities make it a great base for exploring the surrounding landscape.
- Sky darkness
- 75/100
- To Photopoint
- 17.5 km
- Location
- Escalante
75/100sky darkness at this stay
Rainbow Country Bed & Breakfast
- Sky darkness
- 75/100
- To Photopoint
- 17.6 km
- Location
- Escalante
73/100sky darkness at this stay
More stays nearby
- Check availability →
Padre Motel
Darkness: 73/100 · 18.5 km from Photopoint
- Check availability →
Cowboy Country Inn
Darkness: 73/100 · 18.6 km from Photopoint
- Check availability →
The INN of Escalante
Darkness: 73/100 · 19 km from Photopoint
- Check availability →
Prospector Inn
Darkness: 73/100 · 19.2 km from Photopoint
- Check availability →
Circle D
Darkness: 73/100 · 19.2 km from Photopoint
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Escalante
Escalante is the closest base to Photopoint 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
- Devils Garden Outstanding Natural Area 11.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
- North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area 14.1 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument 17.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Escalante Petrified Forest State Park 21.2 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Steep Creek Wilderness Study Area 26.3 km · Sky Score 67/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).