Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area

Sky Score 69/100≈ Bortle 2

Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in New Mexico 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 May, when about 85% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 56/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 51%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January65%67/100
February67%69/100
March67%68/100
April78%77/100
May ★85%82/100
June70%71/100
July49%55/100
August51%56/100
September73%73/100
October78%77/100
November69%70/100
December65%67/100

Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near Big Hatchet Mountains 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.

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Nearby spots in New Mexico