El Morro National Monument
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
El Morro is a massive sandstone bluff that served as a waypoint and message board for travelers for centuries. Spanish conquistadors, American pioneers, and Ancestral Puebloans all carved inscriptions into its face. The monument is certified by DarkSky International and sits in a remote valley in western New Mexico with minimal nearby development. The bluff itself makes for a dramatic silhouette against the night sky.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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Nearby in New Mexico
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Gold Tier cinder cone with 360-degree rim views over the high plains.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Gold Tier dark sky park and UNESCO site with archaeoastronomical great houses.
Clayton Lake State Park
Bortle 1 high plains park with a dedicated dark sky observing area.