Aldo Leopold Wilderness
Aldo Leopold Wilderness is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 91/100 (≈ 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 81% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 57/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 54%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Aldo Leopold Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 60% | 62/100 |
| February | 64% | 65/100 |
| March | 65% | 66/100 |
| April | 76% | 73/100 |
| May ★ | 81% | 77/100 |
| June | 69% | 69/100 |
| July | 52% | 56/100 |
| August | 54% | 58/100 |
| September | 72% | 71/100 |
| October | 74% | 72/100 |
| November | 69% | 69/100 |
| December | 62% | 63/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Aldo Leopold Wilderness
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 →
Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch
28.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 94/100
- Check availability →
Black Range Lodge
29.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Enchanted Villa B & B
37.4 km away · Hillsboro · darkness at hotel: 89/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Emory Pass Vista — 27.3 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Austin Roberts Vista — 28.7 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Senator Clinton P. Anderson Wilderness Overlook — 29.7 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument — 36.7 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Gila Wilderness — 50.4 km · Sky Score 66/100