Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area 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 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 69%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 58/100 |
| February | 59% | 63/100 |
| March | 58% | 62/100 |
| April | 67% | 68/100 |
| May | 70% | 71/100 |
| June | 77% | 76/100 |
| July | 66% | 67/100 |
| August | 69% | 70/100 |
| September ★ | 80% | 78/100 |
| October | 73% | 73/100 |
| November | 71% | 72/100 |
| December | 56% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Glen Canyon National Recreation 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 →
Ticaboo Lodge By Magnuson Worldwide
9.6 km away · Ticaboo · darkness at hotel: 88/100
- Check availability →
Defiance House Lodge
16.8 km away · Bullfrog · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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Nearby spots in Utah
- Halls Creek Overlook — 13.1 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Mount Pennell Wilderness Study Area — 25.6 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Escalante Canyons Tract 1 Instant Study Area — 27.6 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Little Rockies Wilderness Study Area — 27.8 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Mount Hillers Wilderness Study Area — 28.3 km · Sky Score 68/100