For astronomy enthusiasts or urbanites yearning for an unobstructed view of the cosmos, a unique hotel in Utah offers the ultimate celestial escape. Clear Sky Resorts, situated a mere 15 minutes from the awe-inspiring Bryce Canyon National Park, provides a compelling reason why the state is renowned for its stellar night skies.
Utah: A Global Leader for Dark Skies
The Beehive State is at the forefront of dark sky preservation, boasting an impressive 23 accredited Dark Sky Places. This designation means it harbours some of the least light-polluted skies in the United States. These areas include famed national parks like Bryce Canyon, Arches, and Canyonlands, as well as the city of Moab, located roughly 250 miles to the northeast near the Colorado border. For visitors unfamiliar with true darkness, the initial adjustment is profound, but the reward is a breathtaking, star-filled panorama.
Sleeping Under the Stars in a Panoramic Dome
The defining feature of Clear Sky Resorts is its accommodation: guests stay in innovative 'sky domes' featuring floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass. This design allows for falling asleep under the gaze of the Milky Way—with the potential bonus of spotting shooting stars—and waking to vistas of the resort's private 80-acre canyon. The approach to the hotel is itself a spectacle, with a cluster of domes emerging unexpectedly just off the renowned Scenic Byway 12, a 124-mile road celebrated for its stunning landscapes.
The domes, which opened at the Bryce Canyon location last summer, are designed to blend seamlessly into the ancient rock formations. This is the first Clear Sky hotel in Utah, joining an existing site in Valle, Arizona, which launched in 2021.
Stargazing Tours and Canyon Adventures
The resort capitalises on its pristine location by offering nightly stargazing telescope tours for $15 per person, providing expert insight into constellations and celestial bodies. For those seeking complimentary activities, options include guided 'Discovery Walks', campfires for roasting s'mores, and three daily yoga sessions led by an instructor named Matt in a dedicated dome. Matt also conducts an evening sound bath session for the same fee.
Beyond the stars, the resort serves as an ideal base for exploring Bryce Canyon's legendary hoodoos—tall, thin rock spires shaped by erosion over millions of years—and other national parks like Zion and Capitol Reef. Standard park entry costs $35 per private vehicle. For higher-octane exploration, ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co., which opened a Bryce Canyon base earlier this year, offers activities like UTV tours. A two-and-a-half hour UTV backcountry tour, priced at $119 per person before tax, culminates at the breathtaking 'Grand to Bryce Overlook'.
The spacious dome rooms cater to groups of two, four, or eight. While the extensive glass can challenge temperature regulation, the air conditioning system manages adequately. Dining is available on-site at the Sky Nova Bar & Grill, a necessity given limited local options, serving dishes like Sweet Chili Miso Glazed Salmon and specialty cocktails.
Rates for the sky domes start at $525 per night, plus taxes and fees. Significant discounts are available: up to 25% for early bird multi-night bookings, and up to 40% for multi-night stays during the winter off-season from December 1 to February 28.
