Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area
Horse Mountain 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 79% 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 Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 59% | 63/100 |
| February | 65% | 68/100 |
| March | 65% | 68/100 |
| April | 75% | 75/100 |
| May ★ | 79% | 78/100 |
| June | 69% | 71/100 |
| July | 53% | 58/100 |
| August | 56% | 61/100 |
| September | 73% | 74/100 |
| October | 75% | 75/100 |
| November | 71% | 72/100 |
| December | 61% | 65/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Horse Mountain 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.
- Check availability →
Largo Motel
52.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 79/100
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Mountaineer Inn
65.2 km away · Reserve · darkness at hotel: 79/100
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The Frisco Lodging Company
65.6 km away · Reserve · darkness at hotel: 79/100
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Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch
71.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 94/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area — 33.2 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Withington Wilderness — 63 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Eagle Peak Wilderness Study Area — 69.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Apache Kid Wilderness — 76.9 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Canyons Wilderness Study Area — 79.7 km · Sky Score 67/100