Located at 10,600 feet in the Magdalena Mountains of the Cibola National Forest, theres no doubt that the Magdalena Ridge Observatory offers exceptional views of the night sky. The primitive campground is a flat, dirt site. Sandia Mountain Natural History Center is not open to the public and is an APS facility. Some of our favorite spots for stargazing in the Land of Enchantment include most of our stunningly wonderful New Mexico state parks, National Parks in New Mexico, and the majority of awe-inspiring campsites (especially the dispersed ones). Visitors gather on those nights to attend a lecture usually on the astronomical practices of the ancient Puebloans and how their observations informed their daily lives. There are only 3 miles of road, but over 70 miles of hiking trails. Here are some of the best destinations to stargaze in New Mexico. Your first thought may be that there is too much light pollution at the University of New Mexico for stargazing in Albuquerque. The New Mexico night sky is quite the sight to behold. Co Rd. The park is an oasis in the rolling grasslands of northeastern New Mexico. Banner Photo by Steven Miller, Astrophotographer. New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment, and that's no accident: this southwestern state is an amazingly magical (enchanting!) The dark skies at Salinas allow for stunning night photographs. Check the, Capulin Volcano National Monument, New Mexico 88418, USA. Chaco is an IDA-designated dark-sky park. Cerrillos Hills, New Mexico's 34th State Park, is a year-round, day-use park located off the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. These are popular spots that where you may meet other stargazers or can even attend events an star parties being hosted! After making a short trip to New Mexico in 2021 to view the first Virgin Galactic launch with Sir Richard Branson aboard, I was hooked on exploring more of this southwestern state. There are 13 astronomical observatories in the state of NM that have telescopes used for astronomy research. However, not all the action happens beneath the park. Clayton Lake State Park is most well known for its preserved dinosaur footprints. Where are all the best dark skies in New Mexico? Not able to make it to Capulin or Clayton? Thank you for your message and interest in Astronomy Adventures. Designated as New Mexicos first dark sky park in 2010, Clayton Lake State Park is a Gold level International Dark Sky Park and has its own 14-inch Mead telescope. Ft. 1860 Forest Cir, Santa Fe, NM 87505. The night sky is so dark that visitors can see the Milky setting over Cosmic Campground with the naked eye. Rates begin at $400 per night plus applicable tax. You can join us in person or via Zoom, as you prefer. Join her on this journey to explore space right here on earth. I don't mind if people leave 'early'. Seriously. Hyde Memorial State Park was New Mexicos first state park and is a popular spot for stargazing, hiking, and camping. The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge consists of 30,000 acres of wilderness. They also have a Dark Sky Viewing Area open all night for using telescopes or binoculars if youd like to do a stargazing session on your own. The night sky viewing area at Capulin Volcano is recognized as a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Place. When the Santa Fe Southern Railway shut down in 2012, it was one year after novelist and screenwriter George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones premiered on HBO. The site has a warming hut (yes!) She grew up in Alaska, has lived across the U.S., and traveled around the world to enjoy the night sky from many different perspectives. Read on to learn about the best stargazing spots in Albuquerque and the surrounding regions of New Mexico. Visitors can observe the alignment of the north wall of Aztec West with the sunset position on the western horizon (check website for dates.). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Dark Skies New Mexico is an astronomers dream. Its location was chosen in an effort to avoid light pollution, which makes it one of the best spots for stargazing in New Mexico. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Dear friends and lovers of the night sky, after 20 years of exploring the starry deeps, we are shifting away from weekly tours and moving ahead with a different business model. City of Rocks State Park gets its name from the sculptured rock columns and lanes resembling city streets that make up the landscape. The Magdalena Ridge Observatory opens its door to the public and offers tours and stargazing events throughout the year. Browse this map for a few of the top spots to stargaze in Albuquerque, then read on to learn more about them. New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment, and thats no accident: this southwestern state is an amazingly magical (enchanting!) The site protects over 33,000 acres of gorgeous rugged canyon and mesa country, plus evidence of the Ancestral Pueblo people, who lived here from approximately 1150 CE to 1550 CE. In 2013, Chaco Culture National Historical Park was designated an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association, further enhancing the canyons place as a location where deep sky viewing is available. It can be inspiring, intimidating, overwhelming and more, depending on your state of mind and philosophical inclinations. Weather Underground provides local & long-range weather forecasts, weatherreports, maps & tropical weather conditions for the Santa Fe area. Bandelier National Monument is another top New Mexico stargazing spot. Two of the 5 certified dark spots in NM are open (though you need to call Salinas Pueblo mission national monument in order to stargaze) but they are both a 2-3hour drive. Fort Union became a certified international Dark Sky Park in 2019. Three generations celebrating the oldest birthday. The International Dark-Sky Association designated the central New Mexico monument as an International Dark Sky Park in 2016. The Monument, founded in 1916, protects Ancestral Pueblo archeological sites, a beautiful landscape, and the country's largest Civilian Conservation Corps National Landmark District. Each ticket includes a seat in our enclosed (heated) train cars, access to an outdoor open air flatbed car, a complimentary champagne welcome as the adventure begins, live music, and presentations by professional guides! New Mexicos skies are exquisite. It sits within a sweeping valley of short grass prairie and preserves the second of three forts the U.S. Army constructed in 1851. Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, 13 Lovely Spots for Stargazing in Louisiana, 18 Magnificent Spots for Stargazing in Missouri, 13 Nice Spots for Stargazing in New Jersey. My name is Valerie, and I'm the founder of Space Tourism Guide! Unlike other locations, the preserve offers regular, ongoing 24-hour access to stargazing via six large pull-outs along Highway 4. Here in New Mexico, we still have skies that are clear and dark enough to explore the many fascinating jewels of the night. We get together regularly and spontaneously for dark skyobservingusing everything from the naked eye, to binoculars, to telescopes large and small. Thank you! New Mexico Stargazing June 21, 2022 Tori Jane Where is the best stargazing in New Mexico? Pick up a Cruise America RV rental from our convenient Albuquerque location and get started on your road trip! Thanks for your comment! We are a group of Santa Fe area residents who share a passion for observing the day and night sky, be it by naked eye, binocular, or telescope. From Espaola, travel north on the road to Abiqui (84/285) for approximately 20 miles. Okay, so, where specifically are all the best spots for star gazing in New Mexico? The park service often presents viewing parties and presentations on how our night sky differs from what the natives saw before the Spanish conquest. It does get cold, take layers, binnies, mittens,scarfs hand warmers so you can enjoy to the fullest. The park hosts numerous night-sky events throughout the year and plenty of stargazing parties to see the Milky Way stretching across the sky. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Visit their website:Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. My husband and I road tripped to Santa Fe for just one day. Solar System; . It also hosts many astronomy programs and nighttime recreation activities, like full moon hikes. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Also it can get quite cold. Although youll have to deal with a lot of light pollution within the city, you dont have to drive too far to get an incredible view of the stars. The park is a short drive from Santa Fe and offers excellent group facilities and campsites. Stargazing in New Mexico is an ancient and authentic experience. See more. The 15 Best Places to Go Stargazing in Philadelphia, The 15 Best Places to Go Stargazing in Anchorage. It is Whoagotta pull over, unbelievable, jaw dropping, off world, surreal magnificence. The International Dark-Sky Association named Capulin Volcano National Monument a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park in 2016. The State Park has a visitor center with information on dinosaurs as well as the geology of the region. I would buy toe warmers or double up on socks because no matter how bundled up you are, your toes will feel it! In the spring and early summer as the Milky Way rises to the East you are looking towards dark sky over the Atlantic Ocean. The soaring mountains allow exceptional views of Venus and Mercury, along with many constellations popularized in native art and lore (like Orion, Gemini, and Taurus). Theres very little artificial light which ensures the dark skies can emerge in full force. You will cross paths with over 1,100 years of mining history along the five miles of trails and enjoy spectacular views of the Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo Mountain Ranges. Where is the nearest night sky star viewing near truth or consequences. For the best stargazing in New Mexico possible, look for the darkest skies in New Mexico, which leads us to the next point: Where can I go star gazing in New Mexico? Those who want to stay late without camping must request a permit to stay late and watch the night sky. For Native people today, the night skies are still used as a guidance in daily living and religious ceremonies. On a clear night, visitors can see thousands of stars blanketing the New Mexico sky. Santa Fe can feel like a giant art museum, given how much amazing creativity is all around the city. Visit their website:Fort Union National Monument. Read our guide to New Mexico stargazing locations to learn helpful tips and find the best spots to stop for viewing the stars. In 2019, Fort Union National Monument became an International Dark Sky Park. Amateur astronomers wont find a better place to hold their stargazing session than Cosmic Campground. About an hour outside of Albuquerque, this New Mexico stargazing spot is an ideal location to see shooting stars and the Milky Way. Cosmic Campground, 33.4792463100206, -108.92268895185092, Glenwood, NM 88039, USA. Groups with more than 12 people, parties wanting more one telescope and astronomer, and locations away from my regular viewing site will have higher rates depending upon specific needs. Stellar Campsites for Summer Fun: Pitch your tent at these exceptional spots. Located at the heart of the Jemez Mountains in northern New Mexico, Valles Caldera National Preserve is every outdoor lovers dream. Join her on this journey to explore space right here on earth. 60 Columbine Ln., Cedar Crest, NM 87008, www.aps.edu/sandia-mountain-natural-history-center/. If you want to spend the night under the stars, then this is the place to go. Eight years later, the famous. This makes it a great spot to escape the city and get an up-close look at the sky. This way, you wont have to deal with any excess light interfering with your view. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, 18. Northern New Mexico, with its mountainous terrain, provides a good example of what . 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