Sumner Lake State Park
Sky Score 64/100≈ Bortle 2
Sumner Lake State Park is a protected area 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 73% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 59/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 59%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Sumner Lake State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64% | 63/100 |
| February | 67% | 65/100 |
| March | 65% | 63/100 |
| April | 70% | 67/100 |
| May | 70% | 67/100 |
| June | 64% | 63/100 |
| July | 61% | 60/100 |
| August | 59% | 59/100 |
| September ★ | 73% | 69/100 |
| October | 69% | 66/100 |
| November | 68% | 65/100 |
| December | 64% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Sumner Lake 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
- Santa Rosa Lake State Park — 53.7 km · Sky Score 53/100
- Conchas Lake State Park — 90.3 km · Sky Score 64/100
- San Jon Hill View — 103 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Oasis State Park — 103.4 km · Sky Score 49/100
- Roswell UFO Monument — 112.1 km · Sky Score 65/100