Fossil Springs Wilderness
Fossil Springs Wilderness is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 88/100 (≈ 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 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 60%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Fossil Springs Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 54% | 56/100 |
| February | 62% | 62/100 |
| March | 61% | 60/100 |
| April | 74% | 70/100 |
| May | 79% | 73/100 |
| June ★ | 80% | 74/100 |
| July | 55% | 56/100 |
| August | 60% | 60/100 |
| September | 77% | 72/100 |
| October | 78% | 73/100 |
| November | 71% | 68/100 |
| December | 58% | 59/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Fossil Springs 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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Beeline Guest House
10.7 km away · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Happy Jack Lodge & RV
23.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 89/100
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Quality Inn Payson
30.2 km away · darkness at hotel: 59/100
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Comfort Inn Payson
31.2 km away · Payson · darkness at hotel: 54/100
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Budget Inn
31.3 km away · Payson · darkness at hotel: 54/100
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Days Inn & Suites Payson
31.3 km away · Payson · darkness at hotel: 54/100
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Majestic Mountain Inn
31.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 56/100
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Super 8 Payson
31.7 km away · Payson · darkness at hotel: 56/100
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Nearby spots in Arizona
- West Clear Creek Wilderness — 10.4 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Wet Beaver Wilderness — 24.3 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Cedar Bench Wilderness — 25.9 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Pine Mountain Wilderness — 30.3 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Montezuma Castle National Monument — 30.5 km · Sky Score 52/100