Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways

Sky Score 63/100≈ Bortle 2

Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 89/100 (≈ 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 September, when about 74% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 59/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 59%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January60%61/100
February63%62/100
March64%63/100
April66%65/100
May61%61/100
June60%60/100
July57%59/100
August59%60/100
September ★74%70/100
October71%68/100
November69%67/100
December65%64/100

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

Where to stay near Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways

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