Gold Butte National Monument
Sky Score 67/100≈ Bortle 2
Gold Butte National Monument is a protected area in Nevada 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 September, when about 85% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 69/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 74%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Gold Butte National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 54% | 56/100 |
| February | 64% | 62/100 |
| March | 58% | 58/100 |
| April | 70% | 67/100 |
| May | 74% | 70/100 |
| June | 83% | 76/100 |
| July | 71% | 67/100 |
| August | 74% | 70/100 |
| September ★ | 85% | 77/100 |
| October | 80% | 74/100 |
| November | 74% | 70/100 |
| December | 57% | 58/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Gold Butte 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 Nevada
- Whitney Pocket Overlook — 12.5 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Jumbo Springs Wilderness — 26.1 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Fire Canyon Overlook — 28.5 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Atlatl Rock Petroglyphs — 32.2 km · Sky Score 61/100
- Meadow Valley Range Wilderness — 85.4 km · Sky Score 69/100