Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Salinas Pueblo Missions 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 May, when about 74% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 58/100. 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 Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 62% | 62/100 |
| February | 68% | 66/100 |
| March | 66% | 65/100 |
| April | 72% | 69/100 |
| May ★ | 74% | 70/100 |
| June | 65% | 64/100 |
| July | 54% | 56/100 |
| August | 56% | 58/100 |
| September | 72% | 69/100 |
| October | 71% | 68/100 |
| November | 71% | 68/100 |
| December | 65% | 64/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Salinas Pueblo Missions 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.
- Check availability →
The Rock Motel
10 km away · Mountainair · darkness at hotel: 69/100
- Check availability →
Shaffer Hotel
10.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 64/100
- Check availability →
Turner Inn & RV Park
10.8 km away · Mountainair · darkness at hotel: 70/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Abó Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument — 13.5 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Quarai Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument — 19.7 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Gran Quivira Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument — 22.4 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Manzano Mountains State Park — 23 km · Sky Score 61/100
- San Lorenzo Ridge Overlook — 73.4 km · Sky Score 65/100