Horseshoe Canyon (North) Wilderness Study Area
Horseshoe Canyon (North) Wilderness Study 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 79% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 70/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 8% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 69%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Horseshoe Canyon (North) Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 58/100 |
| February | 58% | 62/100 |
| March | 56% | 61/100 |
| April | 63% | 65/100 |
| May | 64% | 66/100 |
| June | 73% | 73/100 |
| July | 65% | 67/100 |
| August | 69% | 70/100 |
| September ★ | 79% | 77/100 |
| October | 72% | 72/100 |
| November | 68% | 69/100 |
| December | 58% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Horseshoe Canyon (North) 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 →
Moab Under Canvas
46.8 km away · darkness at hotel: 84/100
- Check availability →
Whispering Sands
48.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 76/100
- Check availability →
SpringHill Suites Moab
52.3 km away · Moab · darkness at hotel: 66/100
- Check availability →
Fairfield Inn & Suites Moab
52.4 km away · Moab · darkness at hotel: 66/100
- Check availability →
Adobe Abode Bed & Breakfast
52.6 km away · Moab · darkness at hotel: 57/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Utah
- Horseshoe Canyon Unit — 4.9 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Horseshoe Canyon (South) Wilderness Study Area — 16.5 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Maze District — 27 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Oilwell Overlook — 27 km · Sky Score 67/100
- French Spring-Happy Canyon Wilderness Study Area — 31.9 km · Sky Score 68/100