Santa Elena Canyon Overlook

Sky Score 68/100≈ Bortle 2

Santa Elena Canyon 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 Santa Elena Canyon Overlook

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January65%66/100
February61%63/100
March64%66/100
April71%70/100
May ★77%75/100
June74%73/100
July70%70/100
August63%65/100
September67%67/100
October73%72/100
November68%68/100
December65%66/100

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

Where to stay near Santa Elena Canyon Overlook

Each place below is rated for the darkness at its own doorstep, stay dark, and the sky is yours from the parking lot.

Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.

Nearby spots in Texas