Salome Wilderness
Salome Wilderness is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 91/100 (≈ 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 57%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Salome Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 55% | 58/100 |
| February | 63% | 64/100 |
| March | 63% | 64/100 |
| April | 75% | 73/100 |
| May ★ | 80% | 76/100 |
| June | 78% | 75/100 |
| July | 51% | 55/100 |
| August | 57% | 60/100 |
| September | 74% | 72/100 |
| October | 80% | 76/100 |
| November | 71% | 70/100 |
| December | 59% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Salome Wilderness
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 →
Apache Lake Marina Hotel
33.4 km away · Tortilla Flat · darkness at hotel: 73/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Arizona
- Sierra Ancha Wilderness — 15.8 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Tonto National Monument — 20.9 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area — 30.8 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Nelson Lake Point — 58.1 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Mazatzal Wilderness — 59.6 km · Sky Score 66/100