Chama River Canyon Wilderness
1 place to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Chama River Canyon Wilderness 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 September, 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 75%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Chama River Canyon Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 53% | 57/100 |
| February | 61% | 63/100 |
| March | 60% | 63/100 |
| April | 66% | 67/100 |
| May | 68% | 68/100 |
| June | 68% | 69/100 |
| July | 56% | 60/100 |
| August | 60% | 62/100 |
| September ★ | 75% | 73/100 |
| October | 72% | 71/100 |
| November | 69% | 69/100 |
| December | 59% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Chama River Canyon Wilderness: 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 Chama River Canyon Wilderness for each.
78/100sky darkness at this stay
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Live prices around Abiquiu
Abiquiu is the closest base to Chama River Canyon Wilderness 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
- El Vado Lake State Park 32 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Heron Lake State Park 38.5 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Fenton Lake State Park 51.5 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Jemez National Recreation Area 62.4 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Bandelier National Monument 68.8 km · Sky Score 51/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).