Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Sky Score 64/100≈ Bortle 2

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 89/100 (≈ 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: 61/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 61%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January56%57/100
February61%62/100
March61%61/100
April67%65/100
May67%65/100
June68%66/100
July57%59/100
August61%61/100
September ★75%71/100
October72%69/100
November71%68/100
December60%61/100

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

Where to stay near Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

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