Scorpion Wilderness Study Area
Scorpion 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 80% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 69/100. 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 Scorpion Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 52% | 57/100 |
| February | 60% | 63/100 |
| March | 58% | 62/100 |
| April | 68% | 69/100 |
| May | 71% | 71/100 |
| June | 78% | 76/100 |
| July | 65% | 67/100 |
| August | 69% | 70/100 |
| September ★ | 80% | 78/100 |
| October | 74% | 74/100 |
| November | 72% | 72/100 |
| December | 57% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Scorpion 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 →
Defiance House Lodge
41.7 km away · Bullfrog · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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Canyon Country Lodge
43.6 km away · Escalante · darkness at hotel: 75/100
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Rainbow Country Bed & Breakfast
43.7 km away · Escalante · darkness at hotel: 75/100
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Canyons Bed and Breakfast
44.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 73/100
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Padre Motel
44.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 73/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Utah
- Escalante Canyons Tract 5 Instant Study Area — 13.8 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Fiftymile Mountain Wilderness Study Area — 16.6 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Devils Garden Outstanding Natural Area — 20.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Cosmic Ashtray Overlook — 20.7 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument — 23.4 km · Sky Score 68/100