Walnut Canyon National Monument
Sky Score 54/100≈ Bortle 3
Walnut Canyon National Monument is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 74/100 (≈ Bortle 3) — 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 78% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 51/100. 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 Walnut Canyon National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 46/100 |
| February | 62% | 52/100 |
| March | 59% | 50/100 |
| April | 72% | 57/100 |
| May | 76% | 60/100 |
| June ★ | 78% | 61/100 |
| July | 56% | 48/100 |
| August | 61% | 51/100 |
| September | 78% | 61/100 |
| October | 76% | 60/100 |
| November | 71% | 57/100 |
| December | 58% | 49/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Walnut Canyon 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
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument — 21.3 km · Sky Score 61/100
- Strawberry Crater Wilderness — 27.8 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Slide Rock State Park — 35.1 km · Sky Score 58/100
- Grand Falls view — 38.4 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Kendrick Mountain Wilderness — 42.2 km · Sky Score 65/100