Buffalo Hills Wilderness Study Area
Buffalo Hills Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in Nevada with a measured darkness of 94/100 (≈ 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 July, when about 86% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 80/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 8% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 81%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Buffalo Hills Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 31% | 42/100 |
| February | 48% | 55/100 |
| March | 45% | 53/100 |
| April | 56% | 61/100 |
| May | 61% | 65/100 |
| June | 73% | 73/100 |
| July ★ | 86% | 83/100 |
| August | 81% | 80/100 |
| September | 79% | 78/100 |
| October | 72% | 73/100 |
| November | 51% | 57/100 |
| December | 34% | 44/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Buffalo Hills Wilderness Study Area
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 →
The Oasis
50.3 km away · Gerlach · darkness at hotel: 84/100
- Check availability →
Bruno's Motel
50.5 km away · Gerlach · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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Nearby spots in Nevada
- Twin Peaks Wilderness Study Area — 19.2 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Poodle Mountain Wilderness Study Area — 21 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Wall Canyon Wilderness Study Area — 48.4 km · Sky Score 61/100
- Pole Creek Wilderness Study Area — 52.8 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Center Camp Plaza — 58.2 km · Sky Score 64/100