Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area
5 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in New Mexico 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 May, when about 85% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 32/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 73%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65% | 67/100 |
| February | 67% | 69/100 |
| March | 67% | 68/100 |
| April | 78% | 77/100 |
| May ★ | 85% | 82/100 |
| June | 70% | 71/100 |
| July | 49% | 55/100 |
| August | 51% | 56/100 |
| September | 73% | 73/100 |
| October | 78% | 77/100 |
| November | 69% | 70/100 |
| December | 65% | 67/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study 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 Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area for each.
93/100sky darkness at this stay
93/100sky darkness at this stay
89/100sky darkness at this stay
More stays nearby
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Los Milagros
Darkness: 62/100 · 70.8 km from Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area · Columbus
- Check availability →
Hoover Hotel
Darkness: 62/100 · 71 km from Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area · Columbus
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Live prices around Columbus
Columbus is the closest base to Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study 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 New Mexico
- Alamo Hueco Mountains Wilderness Study Area 18.4 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Cowboy Spring Wilderness Study Area 29.4 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Gray Peak Wilderness Study Area 62.6 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Pancho Villa State Park 70.3 km · Sky Score 46/100
- Rockhound State Park 92.4 km · Sky Score 59/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).