El Vado Lake State Park

Sky Score 64/100≈ Bortle 2

El Vado Lake State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 90/100 (≈ 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 77% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 63/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 63%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at El Vado Lake State Park

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January50%54/100
February59%60/100
March59%60/100
April64%64/100
May69%68/100
June72%70/100
July61%62/100
August63%64/100
September ★77%73/100
October73%71/100
November68%67/100
December56%58/100

Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near El Vado Lake State Park

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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Nearby spots in New Mexico