Fort Union National Monument
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
Fort Union preserves the largest 19th-century military fort ruins in the American Southwest, set on the open plains of northeastern New Mexico along the original Santa Fe Trail. The monument is certified by DarkSky International. The flat plains terrain gives wide horizon views, and the standing adobe walls and chimneys of the fort ruins take on a different character under a dark sky. It is one of the less-visited certified sites in the state.
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.