Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Salinas Pueblo Missions 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 May, when about 74% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 58/100. 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 Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 62% | 62/100 |
| February | 68% | 66/100 |
| March | 66% | 65/100 |
| April | 72% | 69/100 |
| May ★ | 74% | 70/100 |
| June | 65% | 64/100 |
| July | 54% | 56/100 |
| August | 56% | 58/100 |
| September | 72% | 69/100 |
| October | 71% | 68/100 |
| November | 71% | 68/100 |
| December | 65% | 64/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Salinas Pueblo Missions 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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The Rock Motel
10 km away · Mountainair · darkness at hotel: 69/100
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Shaffer Hotel
10.3 km away · darkness at hotel: 64/100
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Turner Inn & RV Park
10.8 km away · Mountainair · darkness at hotel: 70/100
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Nearby spots in New Mexico
- Abó Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument 13.5 km · Sky Score 64/100
- Quarai Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument 19.7 km · Sky Score 62/100
- Gran Quivira Unit - Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument 22.4 km · Sky Score 67/100
- Manzano Mountains State Park 23 km · Sky Score 61/100
- San Lorenzo Ridge Overlook 73.4 km · Sky Score 65/100