Ironwood Forest National Monument
Sky Score 56/100≈ Bortle 3
Ironwood Forest National Monument is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 74/100 (≈ Bortle 3) — a good rural sky: the Milky Way is clearly visible, with some glow on the horizon toward nearby towns. The best month to come is typically May, when about 85% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 48/100. 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 Ironwood Forest National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 63% | 52/100 |
| February | 68% | 55/100 |
| March | 68% | 55/100 |
| April | 79% | 61/100 |
| May ★ | 85% | 65/100 |
| June | 80% | 62/100 |
| July | 48% | 43/100 |
| August | 56% | 48/100 |
| September | 76% | 60/100 |
| October | 82% | 63/100 |
| November | 72% | 57/100 |
| December | 65% | 53/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Ironwood Forest National Monument
No lodging within 80 km — this is true wilderness. Plan to camp, or base yourself in the nearest gateway town and drive out for the night.
Nearby spots in Arizona
- Saguaro National Park - Tucson Mountain District — 37 km · Sky Score 45/100
- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument — 61.5 km · Sky Score 41/100
- Baboquivari Peak Wilderness — 71.4 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Saguaro National Park - Rincon Mountain District — 89.3 km · Sky Score 48/100
- Hohokam Pima National Monument — 90.3 km · Sky Score 37/100