El Morro National Monument
1 place to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
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 we have rated: 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: 30/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 74%. 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: 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 El Morro National Monument for each.
69/100sky darkness at this stay
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Live prices around Cibola County
Cibola County is the closest base to El Morro National Monument 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 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
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).