Cosmic Ashtray Overlook
Cosmic Ashtray Overlook is a scenic viewpoint 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 80% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 70/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 70%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Cosmic Ashtray Overlook
| 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 Cosmic Ashtray Overlook
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 →
Canyon Country Lodge
25.7 km away · Escalante · darkness at hotel: 75/100
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Rainbow Country Bed & Breakfast
25.8 km away · Escalante · darkness at hotel: 75/100
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Annie's Place Bed & Breakfast
25.9 km away · Boulder · darkness at hotel: 91/100
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Boulder Mountain Lodge
26.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Canyons Bed and Breakfast
26.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 73/100
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Circle Cliffs Motel
26.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Padre Motel
26.7 km away · darkness at hotel: 73/100
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Cowboy Country Inn
26.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 73/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Utah
- Photopoint — 8.8 km · Sky Score 68/100
- North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area — 9.9 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Phantastic Viewpoint — 11.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Devils Garden Outstanding Natural Area — 14.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Escalante Canyons Tract 1 Instant Study Area — 18.8 km · Sky Score 69/100