Chiricahua Wilderness
Chiricahua Wilderness is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 92/100 (≈ 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 85% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 56/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 51%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Chiricahua Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 63% | 65/100 |
| February | 66% | 67/100 |
| March | 67% | 68/100 |
| April | 78% | 76/100 |
| May ★ | 85% | 81/100 |
| June | 72% | 71/100 |
| July | 47% | 53/100 |
| August | 51% | 56/100 |
| September | 73% | 72/100 |
| October | 78% | 76/100 |
| November | 70% | 70/100 |
| December | 64% | 66/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Chiricahua 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 →
The George Walker House
13.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Cave Creek Ranch
14.8 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Portal Peak Lodge
16.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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DreamCatcher Inn at Chiricahua
20.9 km away · Pearce · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Four Bar Cottages
21.4 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Quailway Cottage
21.7 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Sky Island Lodge
23.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 93/100
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Mountain Valley Lodge
23.8 km away · darkness at hotel: 93/100
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Nearby spots in Arizona
- Centella Point — 6.5 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Red Rocks — 8.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Cathedral Vista Point — 12.4 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Chiricahua National Monument — 22.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Whitmire Canyon Wilderness Study Area — 38.2 km · Sky Score 68/100