Manzano Mountains State Park
Sky Score 61/100≈ Bortle 2
Manzano Mountains State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 83/100 (≈ Bortle 2) — a genuinely dark sky where the Milky Way is a bright, structured band. The best month to come is typically May, when about 74% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 54/100. 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 Manzano Mountains State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 62% | 57/100 |
| February | 68% | 62/100 |
| March | 66% | 60/100 |
| April | 72% | 64/100 |
| May ★ | 74% | 66/100 |
| June | 65% | 60/100 |
| July | 54% | 52/100 |
| August | 56% | 54/100 |
| September | 72% | 64/100 |
| October | 71% | 64/100 |
| November | 71% | 64/100 |
| December | 65% | 60/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Manzano Mountains State Park
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
- Quarai Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument — 6.3 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Abó Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument — 17.2 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument — 23 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Gran Quivira Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument — 45.4 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Petroglyph National Monument — 69 km · Sky Score 31/100