Cowboy Spring Wilderness Study Area
1 place to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Cowboy Spring 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 72%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Cowboy Spring Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 63% | 65/100 |
| February | 66% | 68/100 |
| March | 67% | 68/100 |
| April | 78% | 77/100 |
| May ★ | 85% | 82/100 |
| June | 70% | 71/100 |
| July | 48% | 54/100 |
| August | 50% | 56/100 |
| September | 72% | 72/100 |
| October | 77% | 76/100 |
| November | 69% | 70/100 |
| December | 64% | 66/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Cowboy Spring 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 Cowboy Spring Wilderness Study Area for each.
89/100sky darkness at this stay
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Live prices around Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County is the closest base to Cowboy Spring 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
- Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness Study Area 29.5 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Alamo Hueco Mountains Wilderness Study Area 32.6 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Gray Peak Wilderness Study Area 37.8 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Pancho Villa State Park 98.8 km · Sky Score 46/100
- Rockhound State Park 116.5 km · Sky Score 59/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).