Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock is a scenic viewpoint in Texas 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 77% 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 Elephant Rock
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65% | 64/100 |
| February | 60% | 61/100 |
| March | 62% | 62/100 |
| April | 72% | 69/100 |
| May ★ | 77% | 72/100 |
| June | 71% | 68/100 |
| July | 66% | 65/100 |
| August | 59% | 60/100 |
| September | 66% | 65/100 |
| October | 73% | 69/100 |
| November | 66% | 65/100 |
| December | 65% | 64/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Elephant Rock
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 →
Cibolo Creek Ranch
5.5 km away · Marfa · darkness at hotel: 88/100
- Check availability →
Riata Inn
34.1 km away · Presidio · darkness at hotel: 56/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Texas
- Would You Hold Still Please — 29.5 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Blackwell School National Historic Site — 53.5 km · Sky Score 47/100
- Fort Davis National Historic Site — 88 km · Sky Score 59/100
- Santa Elena Canyon Overlook — 102.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Desert Mountain Overlook — 108.1 km · Sky Score 68/100