Jemez National Recreation Area
Sky Score 63/100≈ Bortle 2
Jemez National Recreation Area 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 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 National Recreation Area
| 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 National Recreation Area
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
- Jemez Canyon Overlook — 8.4 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Fenton Lake State Park — 14.2 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument — 23.1 km · Sky Score 57/100
- Bandelier National Monument — 27.4 km · Sky Score 51/100
- Cerrillos Hills State Park — 58.6 km · Sky Score 55/100