North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area

Sky Score 69/100≈ Bortle 2

North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant 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 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 70%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant Study Area

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January53%58/100
February59%63/100
March59%62/100
April68%69/100
May71%71/100
June77%76/100
July67%68/100
August70%70/100
September ★80%78/100
October74%74/100
November72%72/100
December58%61/100

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

Where to stay near North Escalante Canyons/The Gulch Instant 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.

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