NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico night skies are quite a sight to see. With many clear nights, high elevations, and low light pollution, New Mexico is the perfect place to stargaze. According to the International Dark Sky Association’s website, New Mexico is home to many certified “International Dark Sky Places.”
Capulin Volcano National Monument
The Capulin Volcano National Monument is located in northeastern New Mexico and protects an extinct cinder cone volcano in the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, near the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. According to the International Dark Sky Association, the park is in one of the darkest locations in the U.S. and offers a perfect place to see the night sky. Staff at the park offer a number of night sky interpretive programs.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located just outside of Carlsbad, New Mexico. While Carlsbad Caverns is known for its caves and caverns, it also offers great stargazing and night sky options. You can attend star viewing sessions through the use of a telescope, led by park rangers, pointing out space objects. The park also offers night hikes led by park rangers.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located in northwest New Mexico. The park is home to ancient ruins of a civilization that lived in the area over 1,000 years ago, according to the International Dark Sky Association. The natural dark light makes it perfect for stargazing and is protected by strict lighting guidelines. The park holds a number of programs and events centered on dark skies and astronomy.
City of Rocks State Park
City of Rocks State Park is located in New Mexico, about halfway between Silver City and Deming. It features a geological formation of large rock columns separated by paths that resemble city streets. The park offers a number of activities including hiking, biking, birding, and stargazing. One of the park’s amenities includes an observatory that can be used to view the night sky.
Clayton Lake State Park
Clayton Lake State Park is located in the far northeast corner of New Mexico, near Clayton in Union County. The park features grasslands, sandstone bluffs, and volcanic rocks. The park offers a great place to view the night sky. Staff work with the town of Clayton to ensure lighting guidelines within the park and the surrounding areas.
Cosmic Campground
The Cosmic Campground, located in the Gila National Forest, was the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the United States. The closest community is Alma, which is about eight miles south of the Campground.
According to the Gila National Forest website, the Cosmic Campground is a great place for night sky photography. They say late May to late October are the best times to view/take photos of the Milky Way.
El Morro National Monument
El Morro National Monument is located in Western New Mexico on the Ramah Navajo Reservation. The national monument was created by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906. The park protects a number of archeological resources. According to the International Dark Sky Association, the park is a silver-tier international dark sky park.
Fort Union National Monument
Fort Union National Monument is located in Mora County, New Mexico, north of Watrous. The site protects the second of three forts that were built in the area and the ruins of the third fort. In 2019, Fort Union National Monument was certified as an International Dark Sky Park. The park offers night sky programs from May through September. These programs include observing the sky as rangers share facts and guide you to celestial objects.
Magdalena
The Village of Magdalena is located south of Albuquerque, in Socorro County. Magdalena offers several stargazing options with the Etscorn Observatory and the Magdalena Ride Observatory. According to the New Mexico Tourism Department, Magdalena’s local chamber includes “Gateway To The Stars” in its logo. The village also hosts an annual star party.
Oliver Lee State Park
Oliver Lee State Park is located in southern New Mexico, in Otero County. The low light pollution in the area gives guests a chance to view the night sky. The park hosts an amateur astronomy club each month for a star party, according to the New Mexico Tourism Department.
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is located in central New Mexico, south of Albuquerque. The national monument protects structures built by Spanish missionaries in the 17th century, according to the International Dark Sky Association. It was designated as a Dark Sky Park in 2016. The silver-tier skies are a unique draw for visitors. The park is often open to supervised public access at night.
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Valles Caldera National Preserve is located north of Albuquerque, in the Jemez Mountains. The preserve was designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2021. Valles Caldera offers 24-hour access to stargazing and a number of astronomy and night sky activities, including full moon hikes.
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Valle de Oro is located in Albuquerque’s South Valley. On a night when the refuge hosts star parties, guests can get a look at the sky in a more urban environment compared to other sites. According to the New Mexico Tourism Department, the refuge is aiming to become one of the first urban night sky areas.
White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico, near Alamogordo. While the park is known for its vast white sand dunes, it also offers plenty of stargazing opportunities for guests. The park offers unobstructed views of the night sky and hosts different viewing programs. Full Moon Nights are popular at the park and offer an opportunity to enjoy the sky, moon, and stars with live music, guest presenters, and ranger programs.
