Apache Creek Wilderness
Apache Creek Wilderness is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 90/100 (≈ 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 June, when about 82% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 65/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 66%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Apache Creek Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 56/100 |
| February | 63% | 63/100 |
| March | 59% | 60/100 |
| April | 72% | 70/100 |
| May | 78% | 74/100 |
| June ★ | 82% | 77/100 |
| July | 61% | 62/100 |
| August | 66% | 65/100 |
| September | 79% | 75/100 |
| October | 78% | 74/100 |
| November | 73% | 71/100 |
| December | 59% | 60/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Apache Creek Wilderness
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
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Copper Sheet Motel
42.4 km away · darkness at hotel: 59/100
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Days Inn by Wyndham Chino Valley
44.2 km away · Chino Valley · darkness at hotel: 61/100
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Stage Coach 66 Motel
49.1 km away · Seligman · darkness at hotel: 73/100
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Deluxe Inn Motel
49.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 65/100
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Canyon Lodge
49.4 km away · darkness at hotel: 65/100
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Nearby spots in Arizona
- Juniper Mesa Wilderness — 8.6 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Arrastra Mountain Wilderness — 71.2 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Tres Alamos Wilderness — 76.1 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Tuzigoot National Monument — 80.6 km · Sky Score 50/100
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park — 82.3 km · Sky Score 47/100