Our state is full of beauty and wonder throughout all of our days, but most have no idea just how incredible it can get at night. New Mexico is home to some of the country's best dark sky parks, and this one is the perfect place for a stargazing event. Get ready to stay up late, be amazed, and count the stars, constellations, galaxies, all under a truly clear night sky.

Welcome to Capulin Volcano National Monument!

You may have visited this monument in the daylight and hiked the dormant volcano’s rim, but at night this park comes to life more than ever before.

Capulin Volcano National Monument is the best place to stargaze, and that’s because it’s a Dark Sky Park.

In 2016, the International Dark Sky Association deemed Capulin a gold-tier Dark Sky Park. This is quite the honor for the destination, as there are not many throughout the country.

A Dark Sky Park is a park with little light pollution, allowing you to see the sky clearly.

As darkness falls, the monument truly comes to life and offers an atmosphere of wonder that you can’t experience in the daylight. Despite being near major cities like Albuquerque and Denver, Capulin has become a source of true darkness that you just can’t find elsewhere.

Though you can’t hike the volcano at night, stargazing events are held in the parking lot.

In the summer, the park hosts summer stargazing parties. With knowledgeable hosts, you can learn more about constellations and how you can help preserve such a clear sky. If you can’t make these parties in the summer, you can contact them to schedule a winter stargazing event.

There’s a large telescope available at these events to view the constellations up close.

From nearby planets, to meteors, and distant galaxies, you’ll get to see the stars twinkle like never before.

Most take darkness for granted, but once you experience a true night sky, you’ll forever be amazed.

Stargazing is a simple activity that can be fun for everyone, and here in New Mexico we have the privilege of some of the darkest skies in the country.

We all know how incredible Capulin Volcano is in the daytime, but at night it offs landscapes and enchantment unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

Capulin Volcano National Monument is located at 44 Volcano Road, 3 miles north of the junction of NM Hwy 325 and US Hwy 64/87, Capulin, NM.

To learn more about the park and stargazing, you can visit the National Park Service website right here.

Have you ever seen the sky illuminate quite like this? Where did you go, and what was your experience like? Let us hear about it in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your adventures with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!

To learn more about Capulin Volcano National Monument, check out our previous article about it.