Mule Ears Overlook
Mule Ears Overlook is a scenic viewpoint in Texas with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ 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: 65/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 63%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Mule Ears Overlook
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65% | 67/100 |
| February | 61% | 64/100 |
| March | 64% | 66/100 |
| April | 71% | 71/100 |
| May ★ | 77% | 76/100 |
| June | 74% | 74/100 |
| July | 70% | 71/100 |
| August | 63% | 66/100 |
| September | 67% | 68/100 |
| October | 73% | 73/100 |
| November | 68% | 69/100 |
| December | 65% | 67/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Mule Ears Overlook
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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Chisos Mountains Lodge
17.5 km away · Big Bend · darkness at hotel: 94/100
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Paisano Village RV Park & Inn
19.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 89/100
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Big Bend Motor Inn
20.5 km away · Terlingua · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Chisos Mining Co. Motel
20.7 km away · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Mission Lodge
20.7 km away · Terlingua · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Coyote Crossing
23 km away · darkness at hotel: 91/100
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The Nomad Tipi
24.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Tin Valley Retro Rentals
37.4 km away · Terlingua · darkness at hotel: 94/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Texas
- Tuff Canyon East Overlook — 5.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook — 8.5 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Desert Mountain Overlook — 10.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- South Rim Viewpoint — 14.5 km · Sky Score 70/100
- The Window Viewpoint — 16.3 km · Sky Score 70/100