Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area

Sky Score 66/100≈ Bortle 2

Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area 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 September, when about 77% of the night sky is clear.

Tonight's outlook: 64/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 62%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January52%57/100
February61%63/100
March60%63/100
April65%66/100
May69%69/100
June71%71/100
July60%62/100
August62%64/100
September ★77%75/100
October74%73/100
November69%69/100
December58%61/100

Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).

Where to stay near Rio Chama 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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Nearby spots in New Mexico