Grand Gulch Instant Study Area Complex
Grand Gulch Instant Study Area Complex 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 77% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 67/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 65%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Grand Gulch Instant Study Area Complex
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 58/100 |
| February | 60% | 63/100 |
| March | 58% | 62/100 |
| April | 66% | 67/100 |
| May | 69% | 70/100 |
| June | 76% | 75/100 |
| July | 62% | 64/100 |
| August | 65% | 67/100 |
| September ★ | 77% | 76/100 |
| October | 72% | 72/100 |
| November | 71% | 71/100 |
| December | 56% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Grand Gulch Instant Study Area Complex
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
18.1 km away · Mexican Hat · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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San Juan Inn
31.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Hat Rock Inn
32.2 km away · Mexican Hat · darkness at hotel: 80/100
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Canyonlands Motel
32.2 km away · darkness at hotel: 80/100
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Mexican Hat Lodge
32.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 80/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Utah
- Muley Point Overlook — 16.9 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Natural Bridges National Monument — 24.2 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Cheesebox Canyon Wilderness Study Area — 33 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Mancos Mesa Wilderness Study Area — 36.6 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Bears Ears National Monument — 40.7 km · Sky Score 63/100