Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
Three separate pueblo ruins and their 17th-century Spanish mission churches make up Salinas Pueblo Missions, set in the high grasslands of central New Mexico. The monument is certified by DarkSky International and sits far from any major population center. The combination of dramatic adobe ruins and dark skies gives the place a particular atmosphere after sunset that is different from anything else on this list.
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.