Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
Aravaipa Canyon 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 May, when about 82% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 57/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 55%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 60% | 61/100 |
| February | 65% | 65/100 |
| March | 66% | 65/100 |
| April | 78% | 74/100 |
| May ★ | 82% | 77/100 |
| June | 77% | 73/100 |
| July | 48% | 53/100 |
| August | 55% | 58/100 |
| September | 74% | 71/100 |
| October | 81% | 76/100 |
| November | 70% | 68/100 |
| December | 61% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Aravaipa Canyon 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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The Lodge
22.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 74/100
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7 SKY Motel
32.7 km away · San Manuel · darkness at hotel: 65/100
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7 SKY Motel
32.7 km away · San Manuel · darkness at hotel: 69/100
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Triangle L Ranch
39.9 km away · Oracle · darkness at hotel: 65/100
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Sonoran Bed & Breakfast
40 km away · Oracle · darkness at hotel: 65/100
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Nearby spots in Arizona
- Santa Teresa Wilderness — 24.9 km · Sky Score 66/100
- North Santa Teresa Wilderness — 30.1 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Galiuro Wilderness — 37.3 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Fishhooks Wilderness — 60.3 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Saguaro National Park - Rincon Mountain District — 80.3 km · Sky Score 48/100