Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area
2 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is a protected area in Nevada with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ 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 July, when about 83% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 37/100. The moon is 93% lit and above the horizon 92% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 78%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 33% | 43/100 |
| February | 48% | 55/100 |
| March | 47% | 53/100 |
| April | 57% | 61/100 |
| May | 60% | 63/100 |
| June | 71% | 71/100 |
| July ★ | 83% | 80/100 |
| August | 79% | 78/100 |
| September | 78% | 77/100 |
| October | 72% | 72/100 |
| November | 54% | 59/100 |
| December | 37% | 46/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area: 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 Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area for each.
84/100sky darkness at this stay
84/100sky darkness at this stay
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Gerlach
Gerlach is the closest base to Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area 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 Nevada
- Black Rock Desert Wilderness 27.1 km · Sky Score 64/100
- North Black Rock Range Wilderness 32 km · Sky Score 62/100
- East Fork High Rock Canyon Wilderness 40.7 km · Sky Score 62/100
- South Jackson Mountains Wilderness 42.6 km · Sky Score 63/100
- North Jackson Mountains Wilderness 54.9 km · Sky Score 64/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).