Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area

Sky Score 69/100≈ Bortle 2

Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 94/100 (≈ 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 80% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 61/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 56%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January60%64/100
February65%68/100
March67%69/100
April76%76/100
May ★80%79/100
June69%71/100
July53%59/100
August56%61/100
September73%74/100
October75%75/100
November71%72/100
December62%65/100

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

Where to stay near Continental Divide 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