Ultra Dark Sky Trip, UT

Hello Everyone,
This September we are planning a trip to southern Utah for two nights of the darkest sky we can find. The new moon falls on Labor Day Weekend. I've been looking at the light pollution maps linked on Clear Sky Clock, and noticed that the areas east and north of Escalante appear to be darkest, Bortle Scale of 1. With some altitude, our 20" and 25" dobs should be quite happy. Some of the Astromarters have mentioned sites around Escalante, and Griffin Top is 10,400 ft, northeast of Bryce Canyon. We used to go to Big Flat east of Beaver at 10,000 ft, but there is a little light coming from the town below.

We don't necessarily have to seek such high altitudes. Any suggestions for good sites? Also, if anyone is interested in joining us, you'd be welcome. There is nothing like the excitement of large scopes under very dark sky with a group of enthusiastic observers.

I've not been up there, but hear it is magnificent. One concern though. September is still monsoon season and you could be clouded out. I think the monsoon still affects areas that far north. I'm from Tucson and we can have days of mostly cloudy skies that time of year, as can northern Arizona. May and June would be the best time to go. If you're stuck with September just be a very good boy and don't anger the clear sky gods and maybe you'll luck out.

David Gale

Sounds great Martin!
I've been checking out the light pollution maps of SE Utah and it looks awesome. There's a little town called Torrey, just west of Capitol Reef N.P. that we'd like to move to in a few years. It's at the north end of the Escalante highway. It shows up as a little blue spot, surrounded by black. I drive for an hour or two to get to places that would be like the middle of town there (pop. 300).
If your looking at the list of C.S.C. locations in Utah, check out Goblin Valley State Park. That's a possibility. The whole area looks great. Actually, anything east of Zion and Bryce N.P. is looking really good. My dream at the moment though, is to set up in Monument Valley, watch the sunset, and marvel at the heavens all night. That would have to be utterly fantastic.
Good luck with your trip.
Linton