Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park is a protected area in Utah with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ 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 79% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 68/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 67%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Capitol Reef National Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 58/100 |
| February | 58% | 62/100 |
| March | 57% | 61/100 |
| April | 66% | 67/100 |
| May | 68% | 69/100 |
| June | 75% | 74/100 |
| July | 64% | 66/100 |
| August | 67% | 69/100 |
| September ★ | 79% | 77/100 |
| October | 73% | 73/100 |
| November | 71% | 71/100 |
| December | 57% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Capitol Reef National Park
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
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Notom Ranch
17.4 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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The Flute Shop Motel
28.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Circle Cliffs Motel
30.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Boulder Mountain Lodge
30.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Annie's Place Bed & Breakfast
31.6 km away · Boulder · darkness at hotel: 91/100
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Cathedral Valley Inn
31.8 km away · Caineville · darkness at hotel: 93/100
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Torrey Pines Bed & Breakfast
33.9 km away · Torrey · darkness at hotel: 78/100
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Broken Spur Inn
34.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 78/100
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Nearby spots in Utah
- Golden Throne Viewpoint — 16.9 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Steep Creek Overlook — 18.1 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Overlook Capitol Reef NP — 18.3 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Long Canyon Overlook — 18.5 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Strike Valley Overlook — 22.2 km · Sky Score 69/100