El Morro National Monument
Sky Score 64/100≈ Bortle 2
El Morro National Monument is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 88/100 (≈ 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 May, when about 74% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 58/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 58%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at El Morro National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 56% | 57/100 |
| February | 63% | 62/100 |
| March | 62% | 61/100 |
| April | 72% | 68/100 |
| May ★ | 74% | 70/100 |
| June | 69% | 66/100 |
| July | 54% | 56/100 |
| August | 58% | 59/100 |
| September | 74% | 69/100 |
| October | 74% | 70/100 |
| November | 71% | 68/100 |
| December | 61% | 60/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near El Morro National Monument
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
- El Calderon viewpoint 31.7 km · Sky Score 63/100
- Bluewater Lake State Park 34.9 km · Sky Score 58/100
- El Malpais National Monument 38.8 km · Sky Score 64/100
- La Ventana Arch Viewpoint 45.6 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Sandstone Bluff Overlook 47.3 km · Sky Score 61/100