Mule Ears Overlook
Mule Ears Overlook is a scenic viewpoint in Texas with a measured darkness of 93/100 (≈ 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 Mule Ears Overlook
| Month | Clear night skies | Sky Score (new moon) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 65% | 67/100 |
| February | 61% | 64/100 |
| March | 64% | 66/100 |
| April | 71% | 71/100 |
| May ★ | 77% | 76/100 |
| June | 74% | 74/100 |
| July | 70% | 71/100 |
| August | 63% | 66/100 |
| September | 67% | 68/100 |
| October | 73% | 73/100 |
| November | 68% | 69/100 |
| December | 65% | 67/100 |
Scores assume a moonless night, check the moon before you drive (methodology).
Where to stay near Mule Ears 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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Chisos Mountains Lodge
17.5 km away · Big Bend · darkness at hotel: 94/100
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Paisano Village RV Park & Inn
19.5 km away · darkness at hotel: 89/100
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Big Bend Motor Inn
20.5 km away · Terlingua · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Chisos Mining Co. Motel
20.7 km away · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Mission Lodge
20.7 km away · Terlingua · darkness at hotel: 88/100
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Coyote Crossing
23 km away · darkness at hotel: 91/100
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The Nomad Tipi
24.1 km away · darkness at hotel: 92/100
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Tin Valley Retro Rentals
37.4 km away · Terlingua · darkness at hotel: 94/100
Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.
Nearby spots in Texas
- Tuff Canyon East Overlook 5.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- Homer Wilson Ranch Overlook 8.5 km · Sky Score 69/100
- Desert Mountain Overlook 10.2 km · Sky Score 68/100
- South Rim Viewpoint 14.5 km · Sky Score 70/100
- The Window Viewpoint 16.3 km · Sky Score 70/100