Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

Sky Score 64/100≈ Bortle 2

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a protected area in New Mexico with a measured darkness of 89/100 (≈ 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 75% 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 61%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January56%57/100
February61%62/100
March61%61/100
April67%65/100
May67%65/100
June68%66/100
July57%59/100
August61%61/100
September ★75%71/100
October72%69/100
November71%68/100
December60%61/100

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

Where to stay near Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

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