City of Rocks State Park
Sky Score 65/100≈ Bortle 2
City of Rocks State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 87/100 (≈ Bortle 2) — a genuinely dark sky where the Milky Way is a bright, structured band. The best month to come is typically May, when about 83% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 54/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 52%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at City of Rocks State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64% | 62/100 |
| February | 67% | 64/100 |
| March | 66% | 63/100 |
| April | 78% | 71/100 |
| May ★ | 83% | 75/100 |
| June | 70% | 66/100 |
| July | 53% | 54/100 |
| August | 52% | 54/100 |
| September | 73% | 68/100 |
| October | 75% | 70/100 |
| November | 69% | 66/100 |
| December | 65% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near City of Rocks 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
- Emory Pass Vista — 40.8 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Austin Roberts Vista — 53.3 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Rockhound State Park — 56.5 km · Sky Score 59/100
- Aldo Leopold Wilderness — 61.8 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Senator Clinton P. Anderson Wilderness Overlook — 63.2 km · Sky Score 66/100