Jemez Canyon Overlook
Jemez Canyon Overlook is a scenic viewpoint 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 September, when about 75% 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 Jemez Canyon Overlook
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 56% | 57/100 |
| February | 63% | 62/100 |
| March | 62% | 61/100 |
| April | 68% | 66/100 |
| May | 70% | 67/100 |
| June | 67% | 65/100 |
| July | 55% | 57/100 |
| August | 58% | 59/100 |
| September ★ | 75% | 70/100 |
| October | 72% | 68/100 |
| November | 71% | 67/100 |
| December | 62% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Jemez Canyon Overlook
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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La Cueva Lodge
1.4 km away · Jemez Springs · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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La Cueva Lodge
1.5 km away · Jemez Springs · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Jemez Mountain Inn
11.2 km away · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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Laughing Lizard Inn
11.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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Jemez Canyon Inn
11.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 84/100
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Cañon del rio
12.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 87/100
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Wingate
29.2 km away · Los Alamos · darkness at hotel: 52/100
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Motel 6 Los Alamos NM
29.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 52/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Jemez National Recreation Area — 8.4 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Fenton Lake State Park — 9.6 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Bandelier National Monument — 28.1 km · Sky Score 51/100
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument — 28.6 km · Sky Score 57/100
- Chama River Canyon Wilderness — 54.1 km · Sky Score 65/100