Winter Ridge Wilderness Study Area
Winter Ridge 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 76% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 67/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 8% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 66%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Winter Ridge Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 54% | 58/100 |
| February | 56% | 60/100 |
| March | 52% | 57/100 |
| April | 59% | 62/100 |
| May | 56% | 60/100 |
| June | 68% | 69/100 |
| July | 61% | 64/100 |
| August | 66% | 67/100 |
| September ★ | 76% | 75/100 |
| October | 68% | 69/100 |
| November | 63% | 66/100 |
| December | 54% | 59/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Winter Ridge 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 →
Tavaputs Ranch
60.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
- Check availability →
The Desert Moon Hotel and RV Park
68.7 km away · Thompson Springs · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Nearby spots in Utah
- Green River State Park — 85.6 km · Sky Score 44/100
- Arches National Park — 93.5 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Utahraptor State Park — 95.8 km · Sky Score 61/100
- Steinaker State Park — 106.1 km · Sky Score 47/100
- Jurassic National Monument — 107.3 km · Sky Score 63/100