Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Sky Score 66/100≈ Bortle 2

Elephant Butte Lake State Park is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 89/100 (≈ 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 79% 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 57%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Elephant Butte Lake State Park

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January65%64/100
February69%67/100
March67%66/100
April74%71/100
May ★79%74/100
June67%65/100
July55%57/100
August57%59/100
September74%70/100
October74%70/100
November72%69/100
December65%64/100

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

Where to stay near Elephant Butte Lake State Park

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