Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area
Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ 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: 60/100. 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 Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65% | 67/100 |
| February | 68% | 69/100 |
| March | 66% | 68/100 |
| April | 73% | 73/100 |
| May ★ | 79% | 77/100 |
| June | 66% | 68/100 |
| July | 54% | 59/100 |
| August | 56% | 61/100 |
| September | 73% | 73/100 |
| October | 74% | 73/100 |
| November | 72% | 72/100 |
| December | 65% | 67/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Jornada del Muerto 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 →
Casa Blanca Bed and Breakfast
43.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 79/100
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Elephant Butte Inn
53.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 63/100
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Motel 6
57.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 59/100
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Motel 6
57.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 59/100
- Check availability →
Comfort Inn & Suites
57.6 km away · Truth Or Consequences · darkness at hotel: 59/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Elephant Butte Lake State Park — 30 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Flight Deck — 32 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Fray Cristobal Mountain Overlook — 46.4 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Apache Kid Wilderness — 56.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Withington Wilderness — 72.1 km · Sky Score 68/100