Horseshoe Canyon Unit
Horseshoe Canyon Unit 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 Unit
| 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 Unit
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 →
Whispering Sands
44.2 km away · darkness at hotel: 76/100
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Moab Under Canvas
51.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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SpringHill Suites Moab
56.8 km away · Moab · darkness at hotel: 66/100
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Adobe Abode Bed & Breakfast
56.9 km away · Moab · darkness at hotel: 57/100
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Moab
56.9 km away · Moab · darkness at hotel: 66/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Utah
- Horseshoe Canyon (North) Wilderness Study Area — 4.9 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Horseshoe Canyon (South) Wilderness Study Area — 12.5 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Oilwell Overlook — 22.3 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Maze District — 26.8 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Dirty Devil Wilderness Study Area — 27.8 km · Sky Score 67/100