Desert Mountain Overlook
Desert Mountain Overlook is a scenic viewpoint in Texas 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 May, when about 77% of the night sky is clear.
Tonight's outlook: 65/100. The moon is 7% lit and above the horizon 13% of the night; typical August clear-sky odds here are 63%. Updated daily.
Best time to stargaze at Desert Mountain Overlook
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65% | 66/100 |
| February | 61% | 63/100 |
| March | 64% | 66/100 |
| April | 71% | 70/100 |
| May ★ | 77% | 75/100 |
| June | 74% | 73/100 |
| July | 70% | 70/100 |
| August | 63% | 65/100 |
| September | 67% | 67/100 |
| October | 73% | 72/100 |
| November | 68% | 68/100 |
| December | 65% | 66/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Desert Mountain Overlook
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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Paisano Village RV Park & Inn
19.2 km away · darkness at hotel: 89/100
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Chisos Mining Co. Motel
19.8 km away · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Big Bend Motor Inn
20.4 km away · Terlingua · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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The Nomad Tipi
20.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Mission Lodge
20.5 km away · Terlingua · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Coyote Crossing
23.4 km away · darkness at hotel: 91/100
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Chisos Mountains Lodge
27 km away · Big Bend · darkness at hotel: 94/100
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Longhorn Ranch RV and Motel
38.8 km away · darkness at hotel: 94/100
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Nearby spots in Texas
- Tuff Canyon East Overlook 5.1 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Santa Elena Canyon Overlook 6.8 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Mule Ears Overlook 10.2 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook 18.2 km · Sky Score 69/100
- South Rim Viewpoint 24.5 km · Sky Score 70/100