Cerrillos Hills State Park

Sky Score 55/100≈ Bortle 3

Cerrillos Hills State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 75/100 (≈ Bortle 3) — a genuinely dark sky where the Milky Way is a bright, structured band. The best month to come is typically September, when about 75% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 51/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 60%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Cerrillos Hills State Park

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January60%51/100
February66%54/100
March64%54/100
April72%58/100
May72%58/100
June68%56/100
July58%50/100
August60%51/100
September ★75%60/100
October73%59/100
November72%58/100
December66%54/100

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

Where to stay near Cerrillos Hills State Park

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 New Mexico