Capulin Volcano National Monument

Designated as a gold-tier International Dark Sky Place since 2016, Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in one of the darkest locations in the country. The rugged topography surrounding the volcano has kept development away and acts as a natural barrier to light pollution from a distance. They offer a night sky viewing area near the visitor center so that stargazers can access the area after daytime open hours. In addition to ongoing parking lot access, there are designated evenings where they also offer night sky viewing access, moonlight hikes and a Dark Sky Festival in the fall. Reservations are required for the moonlight hikes of the volcano rim, so make sure to check out their site for more information on how to reserve a spot. 

 

 

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Chaco Culture National Historical Park was officially designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2013. It was the twelfth park to receive the designation worldwide and only the fourth National Park System location. Since 1991 interpretive programs have been a crucial and important focus of the park. The Chaco Observatory was completed in 1998, becoming an invaluable resource in the park's ongoing efforts in studying and teaching visitors about astronomy, both in ancient Chacoan people and in our modern world. The emphasis on reducing light pollution, paired with the natural darkness of this remote location, are key contributors to the popularity of visiting this ancient land. Night programs are offered periodically from May-November, dependent upon staffing availability, as well special solstice programming. Check the site or give them a call for more information. 

Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways

Designated a Dark Sky Park since 2010, and the first in the State, Clayton Lake State Park now hosts 65,000 visitors each year. Patrons take a step back into history in this geologically significant region and can experience some of the darkest skies in New Mexico. Not only does the park hold a gold-level certification, the surrounding community and Town of Clayton adhere to quality lighting guidelines. This park hosts star parties at their observatory, the Lake Observatory. The facility is equipped with a 14-inch Mead telescope that allows visitors to enhance their stargazing experience with a deeper look into the galaxies beyond what the naked eye can imagine. 

Fort Union National Monument

Fort Union National Monument in Mora County was founded in 1954 and certified as a Dark Sky Park in 2019. In addition to being a significant historical site, preserving forts and ruins, the area is 6000+ feet in elevation and home to expansive night skies. You can visit in the coming months for evening programs and sky viewing, with ranger guided sessions and access to park-provided equipment. Park gates re-open for these programs at 7:30 pm on August 8-10 and at 6:30 pm on September 26-28. All grounds and gates close at 10:30 pm during these after hours events. 

 

Friday, August 8, 2025 at 8:45 pm
Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 8:45 pm
Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 8:45 pm

Friday, August 22, 2025 at 8:45 pm
Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 8:45 pm
Sunday, August 24, 2025 at 8:45 pm

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 7:45 pm
Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 7:45 pm
Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 7:45 pm
 

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

A silver-tier Dark Sky Park since 2016, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is a favorite site to observe the Milky Way due to the diminished light pollution in the surrounding area. In fact, it is one of the few locations in the country where you can see the galaxy with your own eyes! Although this site closes at night, it is regularly open to supervised public access. From April through October, park staff and volunteers host a number of programs dedicated to night sky viewing. These programs may consist of ranger guided walks through the mission and pueblo, access to park telescopes and even a dark sky photography workshop. Prominent features visible during the summer months include the Milky Way, Sagittarius, Scorpius, Ursa Major (Big Dipper), Ursa Minor (Little Dipper), Corona Borealis, Cygnus, Jupiter and Saturn. Check their site for more information.

 

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Valles Caldera National Preserve in the Jemez Mountains is home to one of the darkest night skies in the world and was declared an International Dark Sky Park in 2021. The surrounding area is a favorite for wildlife, hiking, camping and photography. With meadows, streams, and very minimal light pollution, this expansive preserve is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. There is 24-hour access to stargazing with at least 6 large pullout designated areas along State Route 4 and each month, preserve rangers and park partners offer a variety of astronomy programs. During full moons you can join them for a full moon hike and during new moons, they offer stargazing and astrophotography programs.

El Morro National Monument

In 2019, El Morro National Monument was certified as an International Dark Sky Park and continues to work with the surrounding community to minimize light pollution in the area. The natural darkness, high elevation, remote location far from city lights and development, along with minimal pollution in the El Morro Valley, create a healthy environment for dark skies and stargazing. This is a favorite place to view the Milky Way and thousands of stars in the expansive night sky. For hundreds of years, the valley has been a reliable stopover and gathering spot for travelers because of the natural water source at the base of the sandstone bluffs; no doubt many of these travelers used the night sky to guide the way along their journey. Located just south of Cibola National Forest, El Morro is a worthwhile road trip from Albuquerque, with plenty to explore and ample camping and hiking opportunities in the area. 

Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary

The Cosmic Campground was chosen as the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the northern hemisphere, located on National Forest System lands. It is one of only 14 certified sanctuaries in the world. Located in the Gila National Forest, it offers a 360 degree, unobstructed view of the night sky, one of the darkest natural night skies on Earth and ranking with world class observatories. At this remote location, the closest significant light source is over 40 miles away. This sanctuary is one of many sites in the Gila where night sky photography is at its best. If you're eager to see the Milky Way, this is a prime time to visit. From late May through late October you will experience an environment that will give you an excellent chance of capturing the galaxy in photos. This is a primitive campground with a set of guidelines for campers to make the most of the environment while also respecting fellow stargazers. Visit the site for more information on what to expect and directions to the campground.

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, just south of Albuquerque, has been recognized as the first Urban Night Sky Place (UNSP). The land that was once a dairy farm is now a crucial part of protecting natural dark skies near densely populated places and cities. The UNSP designation is the first of its kind, developed in 2018 to draw attention to the “role urban protected landscapes play in raising public awareness of light pollution.” The qualification for consideration as an UNSP applies to towns/communities who put guidelines and regulations in place to reduce street lighting for the purpose of maximizing the dark sky experience. The refuge is a protected area managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

You can join in ongoing star parties and events periodically at many of the places above. A star party is “a gathering where amateur and professional astronomers set up telescopes for the public to view celestial objects and learn about the night sky, often in locations away from light pollution. Star parties are designed to foster a love of astronomy and provide an opportunity for people to explore the wonders of the night sky.” This Spring, in April 2025, two favorite NM destinations-the NRAO Very Large Array in Magdalena and nearby Pie Town-held special star party celebrations on the same weekend. If you've ever visited the VLA, you know it's normally only open to the public during daytime hours, so this was a special opportunity to visit after dark and learn more about astronomy with access to high-powered telescopes. Just down the road in Pie Town, they made a weekend event of it with astronomer-led presentations/education, camping and community-based celebration of the impact/importance of exploring the night skies with their first Dark Sky Gathering. Hopefully there will be similar gatherings in the future, and these are always fun destinations to visit for an off the beaten path road trip.

This Fall, October 14-19, there will be another opportunity to participate in the Enchanted Skies Star Party at Montosa Ranch Campground, just 8 miles from the VLA. This gathering celebrates its 32nd year and is an eagerly anticipated event that draws night sky enthusiasts from far and wide, bringing together amateur and professional astronomers in one of the darkest skies in the Southwest. 

There is even a remote telescope hosting facility in the southwestern corner of the state, used by astrophotographers, universities and astronomers. Dark Sky New Mexico in Animas, is home to Bortle 1 skies-the darkest and most favorable for serious skywatchers. This facility hosts some of the world's prominent astronomers and photographers and is a sought after location due to having virtually no air or light pollution. 

New Mexico DarkSky is our state's chapter of DarkSky International, founded in 2023. Members of the organization seek to preserve New Mexico's nighttime environments. Their mission is to “eliminate light pollution throughout the State and protect all communities from its harmful effects, through advocacy, outreach, education, and conservation.” You can become a member or donate directly if this worthwhile mission calls to you. 

New Mexico has a special and enduring relationship with the skies. Our state is known for its expansive horizons, spectacular sunrises/sunsets, and clear, dark nighttime views. In 1999, New Mexico enacted the Night Sky Protection Act to regulate outdoor night lighting fixtures with the goal of preserving our dark sky. As one of the first of its kind, this act highlights the importance of maintaining an environment that promotes saving the night skies. In 2008, the Santa Fe Conservation Trust created the Dark Skies Program to educate the community about the crucial importance of the connection between land and sky conservation.

Jennifer