Animal Highways
8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓
Animal Highways is a scenic viewpoint in Texas with a measured darkness of 94/100 (≈ 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 77% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 30/100. The moon is 98% lit and above the horizon 96% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 66%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Animal Highways
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 64% | 67/100 |
| February | 60% | 64/100 |
| March | 64% | 67/100 |
| April | 70% | 72/100 |
| May ★ | 77% | 77/100 |
| June | 73% | 74/100 |
| July | 70% | 72/100 |
| August | 64% | 67/100 |
| September | 66% | 69/100 |
| October | 73% | 74/100 |
| November | 67% | 69/100 |
| December | 64% | 67/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Animal Highways: 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 Animal Highways for each.
94/100sky darkness at this stay
94/100sky darkness at this stay
94/100sky darkness at this stay
More stays nearby
- Check availability →
Turtle Mountain Ranch
Darkness: 94/100 · 27.7 km from Animal Highways
- Check availability →
Coyote Crossing
Darkness: 91/100 · 26.2 km from Animal Highways
- Check availability →
Paisano Village RV Park & Inn
Darkness: 89/100 · 26.5 km from Animal Highways
- Check availability →
Big Bend Motor Inn
Darkness: 88/100 · 26.7 km from Animal Highways · Terlingua
- Check availability →
Mission Lodge
Darkness: 88/100 · 26.8 km from Animal Highways · Terlingua
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Live prices around Alpine
Alpine is the closest base to Animal Highways 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 Texas
- Big Bend National Park 5.1 km · Sky Score 70/100
- LM Peak 7.3 km · Sky Score 70/100
- The Window Viewpoint 9.1 km · Sky Score 70/100
- South Rim Viewpoint 12.6 km · Sky Score 70/100
- Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook 16.8 km · Sky Score 69/100
Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).