Harquahala Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern
Harquahala Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern 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 83% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 67/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 68%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Harquahala Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 61% | 62/100 |
| February | 68% | 67/100 |
| March | 65% | 65/100 |
| April | 77% | 74/100 |
| May ★ | 83% | 78/100 |
| June | 84% | 78/100 |
| July | 61% | 62/100 |
| August | 68% | 67/100 |
| September | 82% | 77/100 |
| October | 82% | 77/100 |
| November | 76% | 72/100 |
| December | 64% | 64/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Harquahala Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern
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 Westward Motel
27.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 72/100
- Check availability →
Sheffler's Motel
27.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 72/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Arizona
- Harquahala Mountains Wilderness — 3.9 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Harcuvar Mountains Wilderness — 27.7 km · Sky Score 71/100
- Eagletail Mountains Wilderness — 43.3 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Tres Alamos Wilderness — 51.2 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Rawhide Mountains Wilderness — 54.6 km · Sky Score 72/100