El Vado Lake State Park

Sky Score 64/100≈ Bortle 2

El Vado Lake State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 90/100 (≈ 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 77% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 63/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 63%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at El Vado Lake State Park

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January50%54/100
February59%60/100
March59%60/100
April64%64/100
May69%68/100
June72%70/100
July61%62/100
August63%64/100
September ★77%73/100
October73%71/100
November68%67/100
December56%58/100

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

Where to stay near El Vado Lake State Park

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