Mazatzal Wilderness
Mazatzal 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 May, 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 61%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Mazatzal Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 55% | 56/100 |
| February | 63% | 62/100 |
| March | 62% | 61/100 |
| April | 75% | 70/100 |
| May ★ | 80% | 74/100 |
| June | 80% | 74/100 |
| July | 55% | 56/100 |
| August | 61% | 60/100 |
| September | 77% | 72/100 |
| October | 80% | 74/100 |
| November | 72% | 68/100 |
| December | 59% | 59/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Mazatzal 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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Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
24.4 km away · darkness at hotel: 56/100
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Knights Inn Payson
24.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 56/100
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Motel 6 Payson
24.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 56/100
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Motel 6
24.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 56/100
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Rim Country Inn
25.1 km away · Payson · darkness at hotel: 56/100
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Budget Inn
25.6 km away · Payson · darkness at hotel: 54/100
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Comfort Inn Payson
25.7 km away · Payson · darkness at hotel: 54/100
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Days Inn & Suites Payson
25.8 km away · Payson · darkness at hotel: 54/100
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Nearby spots in Arizona
- Pine Mountain Wilderness — 25.2 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Fossil Springs Wilderness — 33.9 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Cedar Bench Wilderness — 36.2 km · Sky Score 66/100
- West Clear Creek Wilderness — 44.3 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Agua Fria National Monument — 45.4 km · Sky Score 63/100