Gran Quivira Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Gran Quivira Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 92/100 (≈ 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 75% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 60/100. 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 Gran Quivira Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 62% | 64/100 |
| February | 68% | 69/100 |
| March | 66% | 67/100 |
| April | 72% | 71/100 |
| May ★ | 75% | 73/100 |
| June | 65% | 66/100 |
| July | 56% | 59/100 |
| August | 57% | 60/100 |
| September | 72% | 71/100 |
| October | 70% | 70/100 |
| November | 71% | 70/100 |
| December | 65% | 66/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Gran Quivira Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
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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The Rock Motel
31.9 km away · Mountainair · darkness at hotel: 69/100
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Shaffer Hotel
31.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 64/100
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Turner Inn & RV Park
32.2 km away · Mountainair · darkness at hotel: 70/100
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Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument 22.4 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Abó Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument 33.2 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Quarai Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument 41.7 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Manzano Mountains State Park 45.4 km · Sky Score 61/100
- Roswell crash 55.1 km · Sky Score 67/100