Santa Elena Canyon Overlook

Sky Score 68/100≈ Bortle 2

Santa Elena Canyon Overlook is a scenic viewpoint in Texas with a measured darkness of 92/100 (≈ 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 Santa Elena Canyon Overlook

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January65%66/100
February61%63/100
March64%66/100
April71%70/100
May ★77%75/100
June74%73/100
July70%70/100
August63%65/100
September67%67/100
October73%72/100
November68%68/100
December65%66/100

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

Where to stay near Santa Elena Canyon 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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Nearby spots in Texas