Canyons Wilderness Study Area

Sky Score 67/100≈ Bortle 2

5 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓

Canyons Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 92/100 (≈ 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 75% 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 74%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Canyons Wilderness Study Area

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January57%60/100
February64%66/100
March64%65/100
April72%72/100
May ★75%74/100
June68%68/100
July54%58/100
August58%61/100
September74%73/100
October74%73/100
November72%71/100
December62%64/100

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

Where to stay near Canyons 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 Canyons Wilderness Study Area for each.

SureStay#1Darkest sky of these stays

SureStay

7.4Well rated(623 reviews)

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Grants offers comfortable family rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and modern amenities, plus an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and outdoor seating area. The hotel serves daily breakfast with continental, American, and vegan options, along with fresh pastries and fruits.

Sky darkness
52/100
To the spot
50.1 km
Location
Grants
Super 8 by Wyndham Grants#2

Super 8 by Wyndham Grants

6.8(202 reviews)

Super 8 by Wyndham Grants offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, an indoor heated pool, hot tub, and complimentary on-site parking. A continental breakfast is served daily, and the hotel provides 24-hour front desk service along with convenient express check-in and check-out options.

Sky darkness
52/100
To the spot
50.2 km
Location
Grants
Best Western Grants Inn#3

Best Western Grants Inn

8.3Very well rated(129 reviews)

Best Western Grants Inn offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, work desks, and modern conveniences like tea and coffee makers, plus leisure facilities including an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Guests enjoy a daily American-style buffet breakfast with warm dishes and fresh pastries, along with free on-site parking and friendly service.

Sky darkness
52/100
To the spot
50.3 km
Location
Grants

More stays nearby

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites

    Darkness: 52/100 · 50.4 km from Canyons Wilderness Study Area · Grants

    Check availability →
  • Motel 6

    Darkness: 52/100 · 50.5 km from Canyons Wilderness Study Area · Grants

    Check availability →

Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.

Live prices around Grants

Grants is the closest base to Canyons 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

Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).