Cruces Basin Wilderness
Cruces Basin Wilderness is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 91/100 (≈ Bortle 2), among the very darkest measurable skies in the American Southwest, 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: 61/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 59%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Cruces Basin Wilderness
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 52% | 56/100 |
| February | 59% | 61/100 |
| March | 59% | 61/100 |
| April | 64% | 65/100 |
| May | 66% | 66/100 |
| June | 69% | 68/100 |
| July | 57% | 60/100 |
| August | 59% | 61/100 |
| September ★ | 75% | 72/100 |
| October | 72% | 71/100 |
| November | 68% | 68/100 |
| December | 57% | 60/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Cruces Basin Wilderness
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep, stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
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Corkins Lodge
24.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Brazos Lodge
24.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Chama Station Inn
24.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 68/100
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Lofts At Sterling Sage
24.3 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 68/100
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The Lodge At Chama
24.4 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 80/100
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Chama Trails Inn Motel
25.1 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Y Motel
25.2 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Vista Del Rio Lodge
25.3 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Nearby spots in New Mexico
- San Antonio Mountain Winter Wildlife Viewing Area 31 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Heron Lake State Park 43.2 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Rio Grande del Norte National Monument 50.3 km · Sky Score 64/100
- El Vado Lake State Park 51.3 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area 59.9 km · Sky Score 66/100