Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area
5 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ 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 79% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 36/100. The moon is 93% lit and above the horizon 92% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 73%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65% | 67/100 |
| February | 68% | 69/100 |
| March | 66% | 68/100 |
| April | 73% | 73/100 |
| May ★ | 79% | 77/100 |
| June | 66% | 68/100 |
| July | 54% | 59/100 |
| August | 56% | 61/100 |
| September | 73% | 73/100 |
| October | 74% | 73/100 |
| November | 72% | 72/100 |
| December | 65% | 67/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area: 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 Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area for each.
79/100sky darkness at this stay
63/100sky darkness at this stay
#3Motel 6
5.7(270 reviews)
Motel 6 offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, refrigerators, and microwaves for a comfortable stay in Truth or Consequences. The pet-friendly property features free WiFi in public areas and a 24-hour front desk to assist guests.
- Sky darkness
- 59/100
- To the spot
- 57.6 km
More stays nearby
Check availability →Motel 6
Darkness: 59/100 · 5.7 (270 reviews) · 57.6 km from Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area
Check availability →Comfort Inn & Suites
Darkness: 59/100 · 7.3 Well rated (207 reviews) · 57.6 km from Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area · Truth Or Consequences
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Truth Or Consequences
Truth Or Consequences is the closest base to Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area 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
- Elephant Butte Lake State Park 30 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Fray Cristobal Mountain Overlook 46.4 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Apache Kid Wilderness 56.7 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Caballo Lake State Park 73.6 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Percha Dam State Park 86.1 km · Sky Score 59/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).