Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area 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 September, when about 85% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 70/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 75%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Lake Mead National Recreation Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 55% | 56/100 |
| February | 65% | 64/100 |
| March | 60% | 60/100 |
| April | 70% | 67/100 |
| May | 76% | 71/100 |
| June | 83% | 76/100 |
| July | 71% | 67/100 |
| August | 75% | 70/100 |
| September ★ | 85% | 77/100 |
| October | 81% | 75/100 |
| November | 76% | 71/100 |
| December | 59% | 59/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Lake Mead National Recreation Area
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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Temple Bar Resort
17.8 km away · darkness at hotel: 89/100
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Canyon's End Motel
27.6 km away · Meadview · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Meadview Lake Motel
31.5 km away · Meadview · darkness at hotel: 82/100
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Grand Canyon Western Ranch
34.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 91/100
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Hoover Dam Lodge
39.1 km away · Boulder City · darkness at hotel: 54/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Arizona
- Grand Canyon — 43.1 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Guano Point — 52.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness — 83.2 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument — 90.7 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Mount Logan Wilderness — 114.9 km · Sky Score 70/100