La Junta Point
La Junta Point 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 78% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 62/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 63%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at La Junta Point
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 57% | 58/100 |
| February | 62% | 62/100 |
| March | 63% | 62/100 |
| April | 68% | 65/100 |
| May | 68% | 66/100 |
| June | 69% | 66/100 |
| July | 60% | 60/100 |
| August | 63% | 62/100 |
| September ★ | 78% | 72/100 |
| October | 74% | 69/100 |
| November | 72% | 68/100 |
| December | 62% | 61/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near La Junta Point
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 →
Sangre De Cristo Motel
9.7 km away · darkness at hotel: 67/100
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Royal Bear Lodge
18.6 km away · Arroyo Seco · darkness at hotel: 78/100
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Columbine Inn
19.5 km away · Taos Ski Valley · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Amizette Inn & Restaurant
19.6 km away · Taos Ski Valley · darkness at hotel: 83/100
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Hotel Luna Mystica
21.2 km away · El Praod · darkness at hotel: 71/100
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Terrace Towers Lodge
25.2 km away · Red River · darkness at hotel: 67/100
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Best Western Rivers Edge
25.4 km away · Red River · darkness at hotel: 67/100
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Alpine Lodge
25.4 km away · Red River · darkness at hotel: 67/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Sheep Crossing — 10.7 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Rio Grande del Norte National Monument — 17 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Gorge Bridge Scenic Overlook — 20.4 km · Sky Score 61/100
- San Antonio Mountain Winter Wildlife Viewing Area — 34.1 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Eagle Nest Lake State Park — 41.4 km · Sky Score 61/100