Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Sky Score 62/100≈ Bortle 2

Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is a protected area in Utah with a measured darkness of 84/100 (≈ Bortle 2) — a genuinely dark sky where the Milky Way is a bright, structured band. The best month to come is typically September, when about 80% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 63/100. 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 Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January53%52/100
February59%56/100
March58%56/100
April68%62/100
May71%64/100
June77%69/100
July67%62/100
August70%64/100
September ★80%71/100
October74%67/100
November72%65/100
December57%55/100

Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

No lodging within 80 km — this is true wilderness. Plan to camp, or base yourself in the nearest gateway town and drive out for the night.

Nearby spots in Utah