Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area

Sky Score 65/100≈ Bortle 2

Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area is a protected area in Arizona with a measured darkness of 88/100 (≈ 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 80% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 58/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 57%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January55%57/100
February63%62/100
March63%62/100
April75%70/100
May ★80%74/100
June78%72/100
July51%53/100
August57%58/100
September74%70/100
October80%74/100
November71%68/100
December59%59/100

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

Where to stay near Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area

Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep, stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.

Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.

Nearby spots in Arizona