Salt Basin Overlook
Salt Basin Overlook is a scenic viewpoint in Texas with a measured darkness of 91/100 (≈ 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: 61/100. 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 Salt Basin Overlook
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 67% | 67/100 |
| February | 63% | 64/100 |
| March | 63% | 64/100 |
| April | 73% | 71/100 |
| May ★ | 77% | 75/100 |
| June | 71% | 70/100 |
| July | 63% | 64/100 |
| August | 59% | 61/100 |
| September | 68% | 68/100 |
| October | 72% | 71/100 |
| November | 67% | 67/100 |
| December | 65% | 65/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night — check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Salt Basin 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 →
La Casa Rosa
33.1 km away · Dell City · darkness at hotel: 74/100
Booking links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Nearby spots in Texas
- Guadalupe Mountains Wilderness — 5.8 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Fort Davis National Historic Site — 167.2 km · Sky Score 59/100
- Blackwell School National Historic Site — 190.3 km · Sky Score 47/100
- Would You Hold Still Please — 198.7 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Elephant Rock — 227.3 km · Sky Score 65/100