The Darkest Skies
in Utah

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Kolob Canyon in Zion National Park on 6/23/2019. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 22.04 SQM."

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Lava Point in Zion NP on 9/6/2004. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.98 SQM."

"Set up on the slabs 20' above the Goosenecks Overlook railing. The sky started out with residual clouds from a couple of thunderstorms and slowly cleared through the evening, though never completely. Very strong winds at times (15-20+ mph). Excellent sky quality at this location with only the minor skyglow from nearby Torrey visible. No visible lights from the histroic Fruita area in the park, though lots of vehicle traffic on the main highway and even occassionally at Panorama Point. SQM reading later in the night of 21.87 (cloud free overhead)."

"Smoke plume to west, some high cirrus, transparency fair. Second set best of night"

"Clear night, excellent transparency. Light domes well formed. Very good detail in the Milky Way.One side of sky much brighter due to Vernal Utah. Bathroom light bright. Fire south of Rangley about 30 miles away, otherwise clear"

"Horizon blocked. Borlte 3 due to city lights beyond canyon wall."

"An excellent night sky from this location. Moab and Green River barley visible to the E and NE and the Greater Salt Lake City area also just visible to the north. There is some residual haze along the distant horizon from the very hot temperatures. Very good detail in the Milky Way and stars visible down to almost the horizon to the south. Some airglow obvious all around (especially to the west), but otherwise a fairly pristine night sky. No artificial lights from within the park visible from this astronomy site."

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Brian Head Peak in Cedar Breaks NM on 8/9/2004. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.58 SQM."

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Panorama Point in Capitol Reef NP on 2/8/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.36 SQM."

"Site on the south side of the old entrance road to Arches Monument 300 yards from Balanced Rock intersection, across from site of Ed Abbey's "ramada". Few high clouds illuminated by Grand Junction, CO, otherwise clear, seeing very good, transparency excellent. Very dark at the zenith, light dome of Moab extends 15-20 degrees above the horizon. Airglow moderately bright, considerable detail in the Milky Way."