Valles Caldera National Preserve
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
Valles Caldera is a massive volcanic crater, eleven miles across, in the Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. The preserve is certified by DarkSky International and the bowl of the caldera creates a natural amphitheater that reduces horizon light even further. At 8,500 feet elevation, the air is thin and transparent. Elk herds graze the meadow floor, and on clear nights the Milky Way reflects in the small ponds scattered across the valley.
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.