Cruces Basin Wilderness
Cruces Basin Wilderness is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 91/100 (≈ 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 75% 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 59%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Cruces Basin Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 52% | 56/100 |
| February | 59% | 61/100 |
| March | 59% | 61/100 |
| April | 64% | 65/100 |
| May | 66% | 66/100 |
| June | 69% | 68/100 |
| July | 57% | 60/100 |
| August | 59% | 61/100 |
| September ★ | 75% | 72/100 |
| October | 72% | 71/100 |
| November | 68% | 68/100 |
| December | 57% | 60/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Cruces Basin Wilderness
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep — stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
- Check availability →
Corkins Lodge
24.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Brazos Lodge
24.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Chama Station Inn
24.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 68/100
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Lofts At Sterling Sage
24.3 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 68/100
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The Lodge At Chama
24.4 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 80/100
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Chama Trails Inn Motel
25.1 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Y Motel
25.2 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Vista Del Rio Lodge
25.3 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- San Antonio Mountain Winter Wildlife Viewing Area — 31 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Heron Lake State Park — 43.2 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Rio Grande del Norte National Monument — 50.3 km · Sky Score 64/100
- El Vado Lake State Park — 51.3 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area — 59.9 km · Sky Score 66/100