Ironwood Forest National Monument
2 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Ironwood Forest National Monument is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 74/100 (≈ 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 May, when about 85% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 29/100. The moon is 93% lit and above the horizon 92% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 76%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Ironwood Forest National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 63% | 52/100 |
| February | 68% | 55/100 |
| March | 68% | 55/100 |
| April | 79% | 61/100 |
| May ★ | 85% | 65/100 |
| June | 80% | 62/100 |
| July | 48% | 43/100 |
| August | 56% | 48/100 |
| September | 76% | 60/100 |
| October | 82% | 63/100 |
| November | 72% | 57/100 |
| December | 65% | 53/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Ironwood Forest National Monument: 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 Ironwood Forest National Monument for each.
56/100sky darkness at this stay
51/100sky darkness at this stay
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Live prices around Pima County
Pima County is the closest base to Ironwood Forest National Monument 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
- Saguaro National Park - Tucson Mountain District 37 km · Sky Score 45/100
- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument 61.5 km · Sky Score 41/100
- Baboquivari Peak Wilderness 71.4 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Saguaro National Park - Rincon Mountain District 89.3 km · Sky Score 48/100
- Hohokam Pima National Monument 90.3 km · Sky Score 37/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).