Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area
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 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: 60/100. 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 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
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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Casa Blanca Bed and Breakfast
43.9 km away · darkness at hotel: 79/100
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Elephant Butte Inn
53.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 63/100
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Motel 6
57.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 59/100
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Motel 6
57.6 km away · darkness at hotel: 59/100
- Check availability →
Comfort Inn & Suites
57.6 km away · Truth Or Consequences · darkness at hotel: 59/100
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Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Elephant Butte Lake State Park 30 km · Sky Score 66/100
- Flight Deck 32 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
- Withington Wilderness 72.1 km · Sky Score 68/100