Park · NM, US
Valles Caldera National Preserve
Valles Caldera National Preserve in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico is an International Dark Sky Park, certified in 2021. The preserve sits in a caldera about 14 miles wide and allows 24-hour access for stargazing, with at least six large pullouts along the road. Astronomy programs and full moon hikes are held; call 505-670-1612.
Official site (opens in new tab) View on OpenStreetMap (opens in new tab) Source (opens in new tab)
| Type | Park |
| State / Province | NM |
| Country | United States |
| Nearest town | Jemez Springs |
| Certified | 2021 |
| Coordinates | 35.9151, -106.5105 |
| Source | https://darksky.org/places/valles-caldera-national-preserve-dark-sky-park/ (opens in new tab) |
Plan Your Night
Tonight’s moon
New Moon
1% illuminated. Rises 7:14 AM MST. Sets 5:08 PM MST. Times are local to the park.
Next new moon
November 9, 2026
The darkest, best-for-stargazing night in the current lunar cycle. See the full trip planner for the next 12 months of new-moon windows.
Upcoming meteor showers
- Leonids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, November 17, 2026
- Geminids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, December 13, 2026
- Ursids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, December 22, 2026
5 nearest dark sky places
- Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge · 105 km (65 mi)
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park · 131 km (81 mi)
- Fort Union National Monument · 135 km (84 mi)
- Chimney Rock National Monument · 156 km (97 mi)
- Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument · 188 km (117 mi)