Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area
Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 94/100 (≈ 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: 61/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 56%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 59% | 63/100 |
| February | 65% | 68/100 |
| March | 65% | 68/100 |
| April | 75% | 75/100 |
| May ★ | 79% | 78/100 |
| June | 69% | 71/100 |
| July | 53% | 58/100 |
| August | 56% | 61/100 |
| September | 73% | 74/100 |
| October | 75% | 75/100 |
| November | 71% | 72/100 |
| December | 61% | 65/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area
Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep, stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.
- Check availability →
Largo Motel
52.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 79/100
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Mountaineer Inn
65.2 km away · Reserve · darkness at hotel: 79/100
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The Frisco Lodging Company
65.6 km away · Reserve · darkness at hotel: 79/100
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Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch
71.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 94/100
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Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area 33.2 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Withington Wilderness 63 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Eagle Peak Wilderness Study Area 69.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Apache Kid Wilderness 76.9 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Canyons Wilderness Study Area 79.7 km · Sky Score 67/100