Cabeza Prieta Wilderness
3 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Cabeza Prieta Wilderness is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 94/100 (≈ Bortle 2), among the very darkest measurable skies we have rated: the Milky Way casts visible shadows on moonless nights. The best month to come is typically May, when about 87% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 40/100. The moon is 93% lit and above the horizon 92% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 83%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Cabeza Prieta Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 66% | 69/100 |
| February | 71% | 72/100 |
| March | 70% | 72/100 |
| April | 82% | 80/100 |
| May ★ | 87% | 84/100 |
| June | 86% | 83/100 |
| July | 63% | 66/100 |
| August | 72% | 73/100 |
| September | 83% | 81/100 |
| October | 85% | 83/100 |
| November | 73% | 73/100 |
| December | 67% | 69/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Cabeza Prieta Wilderness: sleep under a dark sky
We measured the night sky over each stay below, not just over the spot: the darkness score is computed at the hotel's own location, so you know what you'll see from the door. Sorted darkest sky first, with the distance to Cabeza Prieta Wilderness for each.
71/100sky darkness at this stay
59/100sky darkness at this stay
#3Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wellton
8.4Very well rated(246 reviews)
This Wellton hotel features a year-round outdoor pool and hot tub, along with on-site BBQ facilities for evening relaxation under the stars. Guest rooms include free Wi-Fi, coffee-making facilities, and a daily continental breakfast with hot and cold options.
- Sky darkness
- 58/100
- To the spot
- 79.5 km
- Location
- Wellton
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Live prices around Ajo
Ajo is the closest base to Cabeza Prieta Wilderness with rooms to book. The map shows everything available there right now, including the hotels, apartments and cabins we do not rate. Use the stays above when darkness decides, use the map when price or availability does.
Prices and availability come from the booking partners shown on the map, and we earn a commission on bookings made through it. Sky darkness is measured only for the stays listed above.
Nearby spots in Arizona
- Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument 63.1 km · Sky Score 67/100
- KOFA Pronghorn Protected Area 119.4 km · Sky Score 73/100
- Kofa Wilderness 123.3 km · Sky Score 73/100
- Sonoran Desert National Monument 131.9 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Trigo Mountain Wilderness 151.7 km · Sky Score 72/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).