Elephant Rock

Sky Score 65/100≈ Bortle 2

2 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓

Elephant Rock is a scenic viewpoint in Texas with a measured darkness of 89/100 (≈ 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: 28/100. 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 Elephant Rock

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January65%64/100
February60%61/100
March62%62/100
April72%69/100
May ★77%72/100
June71%68/100
July66%65/100
August59%60/100
September66%65/100
October73%69/100
November66%65/100
December65%64/100

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

Where to stay near Elephant Rock: 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 Elephant Rock for each.

88/100sky darkness at this stay

#1Darkest sky of these stays

Cibolo Creek Ranch

Sky darkness
88/100
To Elephant Rock
5.5 km
Location
Marfa

56/100sky darkness at this stay

#2

Riata Inn

Sky darkness
56/100
To Elephant Rock
34.1 km
Location
Presidio

Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.

Live prices around Presidio

Presidio is the closest base to Elephant Rock 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

Sky data: NASA Black Marble VJ146A4 2025 annual composite · clear-sky climatology ERA5 2015–2024 (methodology).