Pole Creek Wilderness Study Area
Pole Creek Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in Nevada with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ 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 85% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 79/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 8% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 82%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Pole Creek Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 35% | 45/100 |
| February | 50% | 56/100 |
| March | 48% | 54/100 |
| April | 59% | 63/100 |
| May | 62% | 65/100 |
| June | 74% | 74/100 |
| July ★ | 85% | 82/100 |
| August | 82% | 79/100 |
| September | 80% | 78/100 |
| October | 73% | 73/100 |
| November | 56% | 60/100 |
| December | 38% | 47/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Pole Creek 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
36 km away · Gerlach · darkness at hotel: 84/100
- Check availability →
Bruno's Motel
36.4 km away · Gerlach · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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Nearby spots in Nevada
- Mount Limbo Wilderness Study Area — 31.1 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Twin Peaks Wilderness Study Area — 38.4 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Poodle Mountain Wilderness Study Area — 39.3 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Buffalo Hills Wilderness Study Area — 52.9 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Center Camp Plaza — 54.3 km · Sky Score 64/100