Area 51 Back Gate
Sky Score 66/100≈ Bortle 2
Area 51 Back Gate is a scenic viewpoint in Nevada with a measured darkness of 87/100 (≈ Bortle 2), a genuinely dark sky where the Milky Way is a bright, structured band. The best month to come is typically September, when about 86% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 73/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 80%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Area 51 Back Gate
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 51% | 53/100 |
| February | 62% | 60/100 |
| March | 56% | 57/100 |
| April | 69% | 65/100 |
| May | 69% | 66/100 |
| June | 80% | 73/100 |
| July | 74% | 69/100 |
| August | 80% | 73/100 |
| September ★ | 86% | 77/100 |
| October | 80% | 73/100 |
| November | 72% | 67/100 |
| December | 55% | 55/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Area 51 Back Gate
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep, stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
- Check availability →
Little A'Le'Inn
14.7 km away · Rachel · darkness at hotel: 88/100
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Nearby spots in Nevada
- Queen City Summit panorama 17.7 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Red Flag view spot 20.2 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Bald Mountain Gate Area 51 21.4 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Cedar Gate panorama 32.7 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Worthington Mountains Wilderness 37.2 km · Sky Score 70/100