Montezuma Castle National Monument
Sky Score 52/100≈ Bortle 4
Montezuma Castle National Monument is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 69/100 (≈ Bortle 4) — 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 June, when about 81% 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 63%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Montezuma Castle National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 55% | 44/100 |
| February | 63% | 48/100 |
| March | 60% | 47/100 |
| April | 74% | 55/100 |
| May | 79% | 57/100 |
| June ★ | 81% | 58/100 |
| July | 58% | 46/100 |
| August | 63% | 48/100 |
| September | 79% | 58/100 |
| October | 78% | 57/100 |
| November | 72% | 54/100 |
| December | 59% | 46/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Montezuma Castle 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
- Wet Beaver Wilderness — 19.1 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Red Rock State Park — 20.4 km · Sky Score 55/100
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park — 24.2 km · Sky Score 47/100
- Cedar Bench Wilderness — 24.4 km · Sky Score 66/100
- West Clear Creek Wilderness — 25.7 km · Sky Score 65/100