Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
3 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 91/100 (≈ 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 81% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 31/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 73%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 59% | 61/100 |
| February | 64% | 65/100 |
| March | 65% | 65/100 |
| April | 76% | 74/100 |
| May ★ | 81% | 77/100 |
| June | 70% | 69/100 |
| July | 52% | 56/100 |
| August | 54% | 57/100 |
| September | 73% | 71/100 |
| October | 75% | 73/100 |
| November | 69% | 69/100 |
| December | 61% | 63/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Gila Cliff Dwellings 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 Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument for each.
94/100sky darkness at this stay
88/100sky darkness at this stay
76/100sky darkness at this stay
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Live prices around Catron County
Catron County is the closest base to Gila Cliff Dwellings 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
- Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area 55.9 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Blue Range Wilderness 76.2 km · Sky Score 69/100
- City of Rocks State Park 76.4 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area 84.9 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Apache Kid Wilderness 91.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).