Heron Lake State Park
Heron 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 Heron Lake State Park
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 50% | 54/100 |
| February | 59% | 60/100 |
| March | 59% | 60/100 |
| April | 64% | 64/100 |
| May | 69% | 68/100 |
| June | 72% | 70/100 |
| July | 61% | 62/100 |
| August | 63% | 64/100 |
| September ★ | 77% | 73/100 |
| October | 73% | 71/100 |
| November | 68% | 67/100 |
| December | 56% | 58/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Heron 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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The Lodge At Chama
22.2 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 80/100
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Spruce Lodge
22.2 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Vista Del Rio Lodge
22.5 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Brazos Lodge
22.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Corkins Lodge
23.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 90/100
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Y Motel
23.1 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Chama Trails Inn Motel
23.4 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 72/100
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Lofts At Sterling Sage
25.5 km away · Chama · darkness at hotel: 68/100
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Nearby spots in New Mexico
- El Vado Lake State Park 8.5 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area 20.3 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Chama River Canyon Wilderness 38.5 km · Sky Score 65/100
- Chimney Rock Viewpoint 43.1 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Cruces Basin Wilderness 43.3 km · Sky Score 64/100