Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area

Sky Score 65/100≈ Bortle 2

Salt River Canyon Wilderness 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 May, when about 80% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 58/100. 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 Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January55%57/100
February63%62/100
March63%62/100
April75%70/100
May ★80%74/100
June78%72/100
July51%53/100
August57%58/100
September74%70/100
October80%74/100
November71%68/100
December59%59/100

Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area

Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.

Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.

Nearby spots in Arizona