This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This farmland is isolated from city lights and is a wide-open space to go stargazing. The floorplan features a unique rear kitchen design with all the amenities of a larger unit. Come on out and get acquainted with some of natures most distant and beautiful creations. Whether at sunrise, sunset or while star gazing, the sky consistently provides the impetus to look up, to look around, to marvel at the clouds, the mountains, the stars, to contemplate ones place in a very large universe. Thanks. Please contact them for public viewing programs and hours. The phenomena of dark sky, coveted by astronomers, is the norm in New Mexico. Carlsbad Cavern features an impressive limestone chamber: the Big Room. I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. There is rarely cloud interference, because it rarely rains, which means low humidity, eliminating condensation that would impair visibility. Our compact unit is a fully self-contained RV. Family girl trip in October for balloon festival. Five sites in New Mexico have been certified as dark places by the International Dark-Sky Association. The sky provides a theatrical performance using the sun, the clouds and the moon as players. If one of those people was you Thank you! Magdalena Ridge Observatory is a multi-use research and educational observatory. 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. 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. El Malpais National Monument is a large area of protected land thats full of lava tube caves, cinder cones, and sandstone bluffs. Self-guided tours are available every day, and all tours are free of charge. They have numerous telescopes, including a 20-inch Dobsonian inside a 15-foot dome and a Celestron C-14 on a Paramount GT-1100 mount. However, I would add that Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument closes at 5pm each day, so you wont be able to actually go in the park to do any observation, except for on special occasions. Improve this listing Similar Experiences LIKELY TO SELL OUT* 2-Hour Sunset Serenade by Train 13 Rail Tours from $109.00 per adult 2022 New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza 190 Private and Luxury from $141.70 per adult Santa Fe History Guided Walking Tour 120 The park offers excellent group facilities and fifty campsites along the Little Tesuque Creek. The Campus Observatory is open to the public on Friday nights, free of charge. I would buy toe warmers or double up on socks because no matter how bundled up you are, your toes will feel it! Thanks for your comment! It has some of the darkest and clearest skies in New Mexico for stargazing. IDA-designated dark-sky park in northeastern New Mexico, near Clayton and Raton. How to use stargazing in a sentence. They post their events on the websites calendar and via social media. You can go anywhere outside of Santa Fe including Hyde Memorial State Park and Cerrillos Hills State Park to see all the stars you can imagine. Your email address will not be published. We have 4 adults. OPEN TODAY, 12PM TO 2PM. Check out their website to learn about upcoming night sky events. She couldn't stop talking about it to whoever asked what her favorite part of the trip was. Its location was chosen in an effort to avoid light pollution, which makes it one of the best spots for stargazing in New Mexico. Clayton Lake State Park is located north of Clayton, New Mexico and is known for its wide open skies, fishing derbies, and dinosaur tracks. You can see over 2,000 signatures, dates, messages, and petroglyphs that Ancestral Puebloans, Spanish and American travelers carved over the sandstone bluff. While it was cold, there was a place to warm up, and the cold was definitely worth it--you don't get sky clarity like that without a price! Rates begin at $400 per night plus applicable tax. I went in to adjust the text so its clear that Sandia Mountain Natural History Center is not open to the public except for special events. Stargazing in New Mexico is an ancient and authentic experience. If youre planning a trip to New Mexico and curious about stargazing in this fascinating but oft-overlooked state, read on. I invite you to join me for an experience that goes far beyond the ordinary. Improve this listing Full view The Stargazer will run rain or shine. Albuquerque is full of great stargazing spots that give you the opportunity to see the Milky Way and maybe a planet or two. Re: Star-gazing near Albuquerque or Santa Fe 10 years ago Save UNM and the NM Natural HIstory and Science Museum have programs, but not really the best to be in the biggest city in NM. Stargazing is optimal every other month of the year too. For Native people today, the night skies are still used as a guidance in daily living and religious ceremonies. Peter led our small group in a wonderful exploration of the gorgeous night sky outside of Santa Fe. 1801 Mountain Rd. The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge has 57,331 acres of wilderness. If you have been to northeastern New Mexico, you have probably seen, Park rangers at Capulin frequently hold "Park After Dark" events where they discuss the mysteries of the dark skies over New Mexico. 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. A traditional motorhome with the self-contained features you expect, units in the USA even include a power generator. It also features a wide variety of wildlife, including 358 species of birds. Its remote location, clean air, and high elevation provide excellent conditions to surf the night sky. Also see amateur astronomy clubs in NM. Happy stargazing! Cosmic Campground has a hard-surface observing area with four pads for telescopes, no artificial light for nearly 25 miles in any direction, and an exceptionally dark sky. Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is just 7 miles south of the city center of Albuquerque, and it has served as an urban oasis for both wildlife and people. Its also a certified Dark Sky Park. 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? We booked this as something special to do together, and we most certainly enjoyed our evening. New Mexicos skies are exquisite. Here in New Mexico, we still have skies that are clear and dark enough to explore the many fascinating jewels of the night. We saw galaxies, nebulae, and planets. The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science hosts stargazing events on a monthly basis. The night sky viewing area at Capulin Volcano is recognized as a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Place. The Fort Union National Monument is one of our newer designated Dark Sky zones, having been officialized in 2019. New Mexico Stargazing June 21, 2022 Tori Jane Where is the best stargazing in New Mexico? A traditional motorhome with the self-contained features you expect. Bandelier National Monument has amazing night sky programs throughout the year. Staying in Albuquerque. For waitlist requests - please send name, mobile number and number in party to 505-577-7141 or link to my email address on the TA listing page. Rates begin at $400 per night plus applicable tax. Dark Skies New Mexico is an astronomers dream. Joshua Tree National Parkonly an approximate two-hour drive away from L.A.is by far one of the best places for stargazing near Los Angeles. No visit to Santa Fe should be considered complete without a stargazing evening at Astronomy Adventures. Puebloans had a deep connection with the cosmos, and their constructions are a testament to that. It is an excellent spot to stargaze if you have children, with park rangers inviting families to surf the star-filled sky over the Monument. The college is on the left side of the road (look for the water tower). Certified as the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary located in North America, this park is a must-see when stargazing in New Mexico. The Very Large Array Radio Telescope facility is only two hours away from Albuquerque. Featured photo credit: John Fowler via Flickr, While its name suggests a connection with Aztecs, nothing could be further from the truth. About 1-1.25 hours from Albuquerque. I founded STG to help others learn about and experience the night sky. In a lot of these beautiful places in New Mexico, youll find some excellent world-class stargazing skies thanks to just how dark and remote some parts of the state are. The refuge staff has installed warm white and yellow lights to reduce the unnatural blue light that deters nocturnal animals. 1001 NM-1, San Antonio, NM 87832, fws.gov. And especially for the quality of darkness overhead once the hot sun sets. Let me know in the comments! Another park ranger by day, astronomer by night. The only thing you really need to be aware of is the moon. Peter works hard to make the night special from start to finish and his knowledge and enthusiasm for the cosmos is very apparent. Astronomy Clubs in NM (11) There are 11 amateur astronomy clubs in the state of NM that feature meetings, viewing nights, star parties, and stargazing programs. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Salinas hosts many dark-sky events at its three archaeological sitesAb, Gran Quivira, and Quarai. All equipment needed is provided by the park. I look forward to sharing the beauty and majesty of the New Mexico night sky with you. It does happen sometimes and may be short notice. 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! Live a little further from those places? 2y. The campground is located 8 miles north of Alma, NM off NM Highway 180. Banner Photo by Steven Miller, Astrophotographer. Capulin Volcano National Monument National monumentNear Capulin. Peter was a wealth of knowledge and is clearly passionate about what he does. Check the, Capulin Volcano National Monument, New Mexico 88418, USA. In Viewing stars against a jet black sky is like diamonds on velvet, and star clusters with points of light too numerous to count fill the eyepiece like fireworks. ~ Geoff Goins, Park Ranger, founder of, Where To Grab A Great Green Chile Cheeseburger. Because this site is an International Dark Sky Park, it will provide you with your best chance of seeing the Milky Way. The New Mexico Skies Astronomy Enclave is 20 miles north of Deming, or 30 miles south of Silver City on highway 180, near the City of Rocks State stargazingPark. Located near Abiquiu, hosts monthly dark night star parties. I see on your website that you are sold out on 4/25/19 and 4/27./19. The explanations & telescope he has are outstanding. My husband and I road tripped to Santa Fe for just one day. My party of four friends had an AMAZING time with Peter. Visit this small town for some of the best stargazing near Albuquerque. Your email address will not be published. Seriously. TIP: You can get a discount if you volunteer to help with the events. New Mexico skies are so spectacular that an astronomy community has emerged near Silver City. 4,146 Sq. Peter is extremely knowledgable! The night skies feature very little light pollution, and star-gazing events are hosted every month of the year during the week of the new moon for the general public. You get a clear view of the sky, and you dont have to worry about light pollution. 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. At night, El Morro National Monument becomes a hotspot for stargazers, and not by mere chance. In 2019, Fort Union National Monument became an International Dark Sky Park. You can easily see this through the buildings orientations, internal geometry, and the petroglyphs they carved. 102 South Ripley St., Mountainair, NM 87036, nps.gov. The abundance of earth tones is offset by a sky prone to colorful antics. His location is very dark, so we got our first view of the Milky Way and amazing constellations in years. Additional snacks and drinks can be purchased. Music Festivals in the Northeast You Need to Attend in 2023, Music Festivals in the Pacific Northwest You Need to Attend in 2023, Music Festivals in the Southwest You Need to Attend in 2023, Planning a Trip to the Grand Canyon: How to Make it Unique. The uniquely designed, new Visitor Center includes a large display area and modern restrooms with hot showers. However, the stunning landscape with sculptured columns we see today results from water erosion over millions of years. However, it is possible to see it in almost any spot mentioned within two hours of Albuquerque if the conditions are right. The result of a volcanic eruption 1.25 million years ago, the preserve features huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, meandering streams, and stunning night sky views. 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. Drive to a T, turn left and go past some buildings and into the field where the Observatory is located. You can sleep under the stars and enjoy a whole night gazing without a tour guide, or arrange a tour early and have a place to stay close by. You can also find occasional stargazing events being held here. The refuge comprises 560 acres of restored habitat for wildlife habitat and migratory birds. Santa Fe, NM Hourly . Not all observatories may be open to the public. We aren't the first people to watch the skies. Here are some of the best destinations to stargaze in New Mexico. Santa Fe, New Mexico Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. Its sparse population, clear skies, and lack of humidity make it very easy to get a great look at the stars at night. San Jos de Gracia Church in Las Trampas is one of New Mexicos best examples of 18th century Spanish Colonial architecture. more. You should see the dome-shaped Observatory in a field on the left just before the campus. The installation consists of 27 radio antennas in a Y-shaped configuration fifty miles west of Socorro on the Plains of San Agustin. The University of New Mexicos Physics and Astronomy Department features a Campus Observatory with a 14-inch telescope. It used to be open to the public for tours on the first and third Saturdays of the month. The Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary provides visitors with unmatched New Mexico stargazing opportunities. The regular booking calendar has been discontinued as I transition Astronomy Adventures to its new form. The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) has been sharing the stars with its members and the public since 1959 and has expanded its reach beyond the New Mexico area with our outstanding webpage at www.taas.org, a Facebook page and the accomplishments of our amateur astronomers. Get an RV rental from Cruise America today! JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock. The monument at. While youre free to find a spot and set up your telescope, Cosmic Campground hosts star parties during the summer, where professional and amateur astronomers show visitors celestial phenomena. Every event will have experts who can guide you through all the major planets and constellations. Share this to help others enjoy the night sky! A monthly calendar listing events (including Star Parties) at various NM State Parks can be found at: https://wwwapps.emnrd.state.nm.us/spd/parksevent/calendar/Default.aspx Eco-friendly abode near galleries in Madrid (from USD 75) Show all photos Nature surrounds this beautiful abode in Madrid, Santa Fe. Salinas Pueblo Missions preserves 17th-century Spanish mission churches, which means you can enjoy ancient history and exceptional dark skies simultaneously. Contact Homestead Stays at hmstdstaz@gmail.com for an overnight stay near the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. This peaceful, starry, quiet place was the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Northern Hemisphere. If you have questions, call me at 505-577-7141. Take a rental RV on a road trip through New Mexico to catch some night sky treasures while stargazing. The Quandrantids is a fascinating, above-average meteor shower that doesn't usually get the love it deserves. Do you have other questions about stargazing in Albuquerque? The StarGazer 2 - 2.5 hours Live Music Departs from Santa Fe Join us after dark on a trip to the Galisteo Basin to view the amazing New Mexico night sky! As a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Association (IDA) Park, Capulin Volcano boasts one of the best in New Mexico. Chaco is an IDA-designated dark-sky park. The range of topics covered, and the depth to which they were covered, was truly impressive. 3 Baths. Not able to make it to Capulin or Clayton? Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument protects four of the best-preserved 17th century Spanish mission churches in the continental United States of America. New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza, Small-Group E-Bike Adventure Tour through Hidden Santa Fe. I am immensely grateful and honored to have worked with the thousands of people who have joined me over the years. The site features stunning preserved structures that the Pueblo Indians built and inhabited, including a 900-year old ancestral Pueblo Great House of over 400 masonry rooms. Unlike other parks, Hyde Memorial State Park is a stunning place to visit any season, and it has fun activities to do year-round. New Mexico's first State Park is set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains pine forest, along Little Tesuque Creek. Looking to go stargazing in New Mexico? Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There are numerous options for learning more about the night sky throughout New Mexico, with several options included below. I don't mind if people leave 'early'. Youll find a plethora of wildlife roaming around, including 358 species of birds. The 275 square miles of glistening wave-like dunes of gypsum sand are enough reason to visit White Sands National Park. They also hold dark-sky viewing sessions during Fall, Winter, and Spring, although you should check their website to see the specific dates. Our RV rentals are the perfect way to experience the fun of a road trip through New Mexico. No more than one e-mail is sent daily, summarizing all the new posts from the previous day. Assuming I can be available, I now offer exclusive, custom bookings for private parties, school and corporate groups. The Bosque del Apache Wildlife Refuge consists of 30,000 acres of wilderness. For stargazers delight, the park opened its observatory in 2006, hosting dark sky parties. Kinda important to know. Read on to learn about the best stargazing spots in Albuquerque and the surrounding regions of New Mexico. Please contact the club for up-to-date information on their viewing schedules, telescope . I am immensely grateful and honored to have worked with the thousands of people who have joined me. The . Those who want to stay late without camping must request a permit to stay late and watch the night sky. Whether you get expert astronomy insight or just lie in the back of a pickup, take the time to look up and savor the New Mexico sky.