Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Sky Score 66/100≈ Bortle 2
Elephant Butte Lake State Park 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 May, when about 79% 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 57%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Elephant Butte Lake State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65% | 64/100 |
| February | 69% | 67/100 |
| March | 67% | 66/100 |
| April | 74% | 71/100 |
| May ★ | 79% | 74/100 |
| June | 67% | 65/100 |
| July | 55% | 57/100 |
| August | 57% | 59/100 |
| September | 74% | 70/100 |
| October | 74% | 70/100 |
| November | 72% | 69/100 |
| December | 65% | 64/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Elephant Butte Lake State Park
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
- Fray Cristobal Mountain Overlook — 19.6 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area — 30.1 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Apache Kid Wilderness — 37.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Flight Deck — 48 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Caballo Lake State Park — 49.4 km · Sky Score 64/100