Bear Wallow Wilderness
Bear Wallow Wilderness is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ 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 80% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 60/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 56%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Bear Wallow Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 57% | 61/100 |
| February | 62% | 65/100 |
| March | 63% | 66/100 |
| April | 75% | 74/100 |
| May ★ | 80% | 78/100 |
| June | 73% | 73/100 |
| July | 51% | 56/100 |
| August | 56% | 60/100 |
| September | 73% | 73/100 |
| October | 77% | 76/100 |
| November | 70% | 70/100 |
| December | 60% | 63/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Bear Wallow Wilderness
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
- Check availability →
Hannagan Meadow Lodge
11.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 93/100
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Caldwell Cabin
17.2 km away · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Sprucedale Guest Ranch
18.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Josh Ranch
21.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Sportsmans Lodge
38.7 km away · Alpine · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Mountain Hi Lodge
38.8 km away · Alpine · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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Escudilla Mountain Cabins
38.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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Nearby spots in Arizona
- Mount Baldy Wilderness — 38.5 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Escudilla Wilderness — 48.7 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Fishhooks Wilderness — 65.9 km · Sky Score 66/100
- North Santa Teresa Wilderness — 101.6 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Santa Teresa Wilderness — 106.2 km · Sky Score 66/100