Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area

Sky Score 66/100≈ Bortle 2

Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 92/100 (≈ 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 77% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 64/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 62%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January52%57/100
February61%63/100
March60%63/100
April65%66/100
May69%69/100
June71%71/100
July60%62/100
August62%64/100
September ★77%75/100
October74%73/100
November69%69/100
December58%61/100

Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near Rio Chama 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.

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Nearby spots in New Mexico