El Morro National Monument
Sky Score 64/100≈ Bortle 2
El Morro National Monument is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 88/100 (≈ 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 74% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 58/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 58%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at El Morro National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 56% | 57/100 |
| February | 63% | 62/100 |
| March | 62% | 61/100 |
| April | 72% | 68/100 |
| May ★ | 74% | 70/100 |
| June | 69% | 66/100 |
| July | 54% | 56/100 |
| August | 58% | 59/100 |
| September | 74% | 69/100 |
| October | 74% | 70/100 |
| November | 71% | 68/100 |
| December | 61% | 60/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near El Morro National Monument
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
- El Calderon viewpoint — 31.7 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Bluewater Lake State Park — 34.9 km · Sky Score 58/100
- El Malpais National Monument — 38.8 km · Sky Score 64/100
- La Ventana Arch Viewpoint — 45.6 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Sandstone Bluff Overlook — 47.3 km · Sky Score 61/100