South Rim Viewpoint

Sky Score 70/100≈ Bortle 2

8 places to stay nearby, rated for darkness ↓

South Rim Viewpoint is a scenic viewpoint in Texas with a measured darkness of 94/100 (≈ 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 66%. Updated daily.

Best time to stargaze at South Rim Viewpoint

MonthClear night skiesSky Score (new moon)
January64%67/100
February60%64/100
March64%67/100
April70%72/100
May ★77%77/100
June73%74/100
July70%72/100
August64%67/100
September66%69/100
October73%74/100
November67%69/100
December64%67/100

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

Where to stay near South Rim Viewpoint: 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 South Rim Viewpoint for each.

94/100sky darkness at this stay

#1Darkest sky of these stays

Chisos Mountains Lodge

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

94/100sky darkness at this stay

#2

Tin Valley Retro Rentals

Sky darkness
94/100
To the spot
29.8 km
Location
Terlingua
Check availability →

More stays nearby

Booking links are affiliate links, see the disclosure.

Live prices around Terlingua

Terlingua is the closest base to South Rim Viewpoint 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).