Darkest sky Utah, Az, Nm???

This is a dark sky map. http://www.jshine.net/astronomy/dark_sky/.

I would say, based on the map, heading the grand staircase area up through Capital Reef. From personal observation, Bryce is a very reliable place to go for stargazing and my nephew and I have found it difficult to star hop there because the usual "sky" marks are not so prominent in the river of light.

It has elevation and a dry climate, both of which are key factors for skywatching.

EsoxLucius wrote:
Portal, AZ Rodeo, NM area.

+1!

LS

Portal, AZ Rodeo, NM area.

I've seen very dark skies (Milky Way etc.) in many western locations. Higher elevations, and distance from cities and even smaller towns a plus. Plan for time when moon isn't out. Look on map for darker areas of west. But also important is the local campground has no lights, and there are no town streetlights in the vicinity. NFS public campgrounds often meet requirements. RV parks often don't-

Seemed to me that Bryce and Capitol Reef were claiming the blackest skies. We saw the Milky Way very clearly from both.

The Ranger at Capitol Reef said that in the entire county there wasn't even a traffic signal for light pollution.

Dark Sky will always be where there is less atmosphere to look through, so finding something with elevation is going to be a good beginning.

Away from jetstreams that carry pollution is another consideration, as there will be less reflective metal particles in the air. Also, while you will get spectacular sunsets and sunrises, during dusty periods, such as harvest seasons, the worst time is going to be during high periods of forest fires. Interesting enough, due to the refractions, you will see higher solar harvesting during these Smokey fires.

Ft Davis area of Texas is known as one of the darkest areas in the country, for many reasons. Personally, my recommendation would be the Wind Rivers of North Western Wyoming, just go to Pinedale or Bondurant and head up. Be sure to go during the time of of a new moon and less rain events. Such as July and August, which is typically the busy time of summer. While these would be boondocking locations and not campgrounds. Hopefully that is what you are looking for, since you posted in a Boondocking, drycamping forum.

b

Try Cedar Mesa

Len, if you camp out on edge of the Rainbow Rim, the view to the south and west is unobstructed. But there are a lot of big pine trees out there!

Sloop Smitten wrote:
Grand Canyon, North Rim, 8,800' Elevation.

I seem to recall a lot of trees there. Got a nice meadow to recommend?

LS

Dennis, I have been told that every time there is a night-time blackout in a major American city, there are 911 calls about the weird lights in the sky!