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9 Dark Sky designated places in New Mexico
The Valles Caldera National Preserve was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park
New Mexico Dark Skies
If you want to get out of the city to view the comet, eclipse or just for some stargazing, these New Mexico International Dark Sky Parks are certified by the DarkSky International.
Capulin Volcano National Monument
This site features Dark Sky viewing most Saturdays throughout the summer months, and on select nights during the fall, winter and spring. Giant telescopes are provided, allowing visitors to see planets, galaxies, nebulas and other celestial bodies. The monument is above 6,000 feet, so nights can get chilly. It is recommended to wear a jacket, long pants and closed-toed shoes, even in the summer. No reservations are needed, but the program may be changed or cancelled for bad weather.
Distance from Albuquerque: roughly four hours
Cost:
$10 — per person
$20 — per vehicle
$15 — per motorcycle
$35 — for an annual pass
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Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day):
Volcano road is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., biking and hiking up the road is still allowed after it is closed to cars.
Winter Hours (Labor Day to Memorial Day):
Volcano road is open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., biking and hiking up the road is still allowed after it is closed to cars.
All trails on the lower areas are open dawn to dusk.
The night sky viewing area is open 24 hours a day, but no camping is allowed.
The park is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways
This state park has its own 14-inch Mead telescope. The area is a rolling grassland, which offers boating, picnicking, camping, fishing and hiking. The dinosaur track way is one of the most extensive in North America.
Distance from Albuquerque: Roughly 4 hours
Cost: $5 per vehicle
Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Chaco Culture National Historical Park is a certified International Dark Sky Park, only the fourth national park to earn this distinction. Chaco hosts several campgrounds for tent camping and RVs; however, there are no hookups for RVs and generators may only be operated during certain hours.
Distance from Albuquerque: roughly three hours
Cost: Camping: $20 per night. Interagency, Senior and Access pass holders pay $10 per site, per night.
Entrance Fee: Cashless entry — only credit and debit cards will be accepted for payment.
$25 — private vehicle (Entry fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from date of purchase)
$15 — per person, individuals who enter the park walking or cycling (Entry fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from date of purchase)
$20 — motorcycle (Entry fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from date of purchase)
Hours: the Visitor Center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
This fort hosts various events throughout the year highlighting the monument's nighttime environment. There are Night Wonders events throughout the summer.
Distance from Albuquerque: Roughly two hours
Cost: Free
Hours:
Winter hours (Labor Day-Memorial Day):
The Visitor Center is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Summer Hours (Memorial Day-Labor Day):
The Visitor Center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
This Pueblo hosts various astronomy events such as star walks, meteor shower viewing or multimedia presentations throughout the year.
Distance from Albuquerque: Roughly an hour
Cost: Free
Hours:
Winter hours (Labor Day-Memorial Day):
The Visitor Center is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Summer Hours (Memorial Day-Labor Day):
The Visitor Center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary
This is the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Northern Hemisphere. The campground has a hard-surface observation area with four pads for telescopes. The nearest significant source of light is more than 40 miles away.
Distance from Albuquerque: Almost four hours
Cost: Free
Season: Open year round
Valles Caldera National Preserve
This 13-mile-wide circular depression was created when a volcano erupted roughly 1 million years ago. Today, it is a preserve known for its mountain meadows, abundant wildlife and streams. The preserve is located in the Jemez Mountains. There are astronomy events, or visitors can enjoy stargazing on their own.
Distance from Albuquerque: Just under two hours
Cost: Free
Season:
Winter hours (Labor Day-Memorial Day):
The Visitor Center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Summer Hours (Memorial Day-Labor Day):
The Visitor Center is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
This monument was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2019 and since then has been working with the surrounding community to keep light pollution in the area to a minimum.
Distance from Albuquerque: Roughly two hours
Cost: Free
Hours:
Visitor Center and trails are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Monday; Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Portions of the trail may be closed in winter months because of ice and snow, call 505-783-4226 ext. 801 for current conditions.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Located on the outskirts of Albuquerque, right behind an industrial portion of the South Valley, this wetland refuge occupies 570 acres of Tiwa land. The refuge aims to connect people with wildlife, plants and the land. It was designated an International Dark Sky Place in 2019.
Location: 7851 Second SW
Cost: Free
Hours:
Visitor Center, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; Closed Sunday and Monday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
The park is open from an hour before sunrise to an hour before sunset
Dark Sky designated sites in New Mexico
