Harquahala Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern
2 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Harquahala Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 90/100 (≈ 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 83% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 38/100. The moon is 93% lit and above the horizon 92% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 82%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Harquahala Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 61% | 62/100 |
| February | 68% | 67/100 |
| March | 65% | 65/100 |
| April | 77% | 74/100 |
| May ★ | 83% | 78/100 |
| June | 84% | 78/100 |
| July | 61% | 62/100 |
| August | 68% | 67/100 |
| September | 82% | 77/100 |
| October | 82% | 77/100 |
| November | 76% | 72/100 |
| December | 64% | 64/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Harquahala Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern: 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 Harquahala Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern for each.
72/100sky darkness at this stay
72/100sky darkness at this stay
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Live prices around Maricopa County
Maricopa County is the closest base to Harquahala Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern 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
- Harquahala Mountains Wilderness 3.9 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Harcuvar Mountains Wilderness 27.7 km · Sky Score 71/100
- Tres Alamos Wilderness 51.2 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Rawhide Mountains Wilderness 54.6 km · Sky Score 72/100
- Swansea Wilderness 70.3 km · Sky Score 70/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).