Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area
Cheesebox Canyon 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 77% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 69/100. 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 Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 54% | 59/100 |
| February | 60% | 64/100 |
| March | 57% | 62/100 |
| April | 65% | 68/100 |
| May | 68% | 70/100 |
| June | 75% | 76/100 |
| July | 63% | 66/100 |
| August | 67% | 69/100 |
| September ★ | 77% | 77/100 |
| October | 72% | 73/100 |
| November | 70% | 71/100 |
| December | 57% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Cheesebox Canyon 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 →
Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast
48.1 km away · Mexican Hat · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Abajo Haven
49.2 km away · darkness at hotel: 86/100
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Stone Lizard Lodging
52.2 km away · Blanding · darkness at hotel: 59/100
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Blue Sage Inn
52.3 km away · Blanding · darkness at hotel: 59/100
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Gateway Inn
52.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 59/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Utah
- Natural Bridges National Monument — 10.8 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Dark Canyon ISA Complex — 26.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Bears Ears National Monument — 31.2 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Grand Gulch Instant Study Area Complex — 33 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Mancos Mesa Wilderness Study Area — 33.3 km · Sky Score 69/100