Santa Elena Canyon Overlook

Sky Score 68/100≈ Bortle 2

8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓

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 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: 33/100. The moon is 93% lit and above the horizon 92% of the night; typical September clear-sky odds here are 67%. 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: 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 Santa Elena Canyon Overlook for each.

94/100sky darkness at this stay

#1Darkest sky of these stays

Chisos Mountains Lodge

Sky darkness
94/100
To the spot
31.6 km
Location
Big Bend
Check availability →

94/100sky darkness at this stay

#2

Longhorn Ranch RV and Motel

Sky darkness
94/100
To the spot
37 km
Check availability →

More stays nearby

Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.

Live prices around Terlingua

Terlingua is the closest base to Santa Elena Canyon Overlook 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).