Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Sky Score 51/100≈ Bortle 3

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a protected area in Texas with a measured darkness of 72/100 (≈ Bortle 3) — a good rural sky: the Milky Way is clearly visible, with some glow on the horizon toward nearby towns. The best month to come is typically September, when about 71% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 48/100. 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 Palo Duro Canyon State Park

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January63%51/100
February63%51/100
March61%50/100
April65%52/100
May60%49/100
June61%50/100
July61%50/100
August59%48/100
September ★71%55/100
October70%54/100
November67%53/100
December64%51/100

Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near Palo Duro Canyon State Park

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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Nearby spots in Texas