San Juan Overlook
San Juan Overlook 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 77% 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 64%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at San Juan Overlook
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 54% | 55/100 |
| February | 62% | 61/100 |
| March | 60% | 60/100 |
| April | 66% | 64/100 |
| May | 70% | 67/100 |
| June | 75% | 70/100 |
| July | 61% | 60/100 |
| August | 64% | 62/100 |
| September ★ | 77% | 71/100 |
| October | 73% | 69/100 |
| November | 72% | 68/100 |
| December | 59% | 59/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near San Juan Overlook
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 →
Bluff Dwellings Resort
54.9 km away · Bluff · darkness at hotel: 82/100
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Canyon Wren Bed and Breakfast
55.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 80/100
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Recapture Lodge
55.7 km away · Bluff · darkness at hotel: 76/100
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Kokopelli Inn
55.8 km away · darkness at hotel: 76/100
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Historic Decker House B&B
55.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 80/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Aztec Ruins National Monument — 93.9 km · Sky Score 43/100
- De Na Zin Overlook (no access to trail) — 118.2 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Navajo Lake State Park — 133.5 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Pueblo Bonito Overlook — 141.2 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Bluewater Lake State Park — 203.5 km · Sky Score 58/100