City of Rocks State Park
Sky Score 65/100≈ Bortle 2
City of Rocks State Park is a protected area in New Mexico 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 May, when about 83% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 54/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 52%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at City of Rocks State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64% | 62/100 |
| February | 67% | 64/100 |
| March | 66% | 63/100 |
| April | 78% | 71/100 |
| May ★ | 83% | 75/100 |
| June | 70% | 66/100 |
| July | 53% | 54/100 |
| August | 52% | 54/100 |
| September | 73% | 68/100 |
| October | 75% | 70/100 |
| November | 69% | 66/100 |
| December | 65% | 62/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near City of Rocks State Park
No lodging within 80 km, this is true wilderness. Plan to camp, or base yourself in the nearest gateway town and drive out for the night.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Emory Pass Vista 40.8 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Austin Roberts Vista 53.3 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Rockhound State Park 56.5 km · Sky Score 59/100
- Aldo Leopold Wilderness 61.8 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Senator Clinton P. Anderson Wilderness Overlook 63.2 km · Sky Score 66/100