Saving Sunspot: A Second Life for a Mountain Treasure
Perched high above the desert at 9,200 feet in the Sacramento Mountains, Sunspot has spent over 70 years helping people look up in wonder. Today, our community has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to protect this historic place and give it a vibrant future.
Demolition is currently on hold while local communities, educators, and neighbors explore new possibilities for the mountain.
A Second Life for a Mountain Legend
Over 70 years ago, astronomers and mountain families built a unique community high in the Sacramento Mountain pines to study our closest star. They engineered telescopes that run hundreds of feet underground, unlocked secrets of solar flares, and worked under some of the clearest skies in North America.
Today, scientific facilities are evolving, and Sunspot stands at a crossroads. Tearing down these historic facilities would be a permanent loss. With shared community vision, Sunspot can begin an inspiring new chapter for southern New Mexico.
What Sunspot Could Become
Three community-driven possibilities for the mountain's next chapter.
A Place for Kids to Learn & Dream
Imagine mountain science camps where New Mexico students learn about solar energy, explore forest ecology, and get inspired by real scientific history.
Stargazing & Dark-Sky Travel
Sitting far above city lights and desert heat, Sunspot is a premier destination for public star parties, amateur astronomers, and families visiting the Lincoln National Forest.
A Year-Round Boost for Mountain Towns
A lively retreat and visitor center brings travelers along the Sunspot Scenic Byway, supporting local restaurants, shops, cabins, and campgrounds throughout Cloudcroft and our mountain communities.
Doing Our Homework: An Independent Feasibility Study
We are doing our homework before making big decisions. Regional partners, educators, and community advocates are working to initiate an independent economic feasibility study. This study will evaluate realistic operating models, facility maintenance costs, educational partnerships, and tourism potential under a U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permit.
By grounding our efforts in real data and community input, we are building a responsible foundation to ensure Sunspot has a practical, sustainable future that serves our mountain communities for decades to come.
Core Focus Areas of the Study
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Facility and Maintenance SustainabilityEvaluating realistic building maintenance, utility costs, and year-round mountain road access.
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Educational and Tourism ProgrammingAssessing practical models for student science camps, university retreats, and public stargazing.
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Forest Service PartnershipBuilding a compliant, long-term framework under a U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permit.
Share Your Memories and Photos of Sunspot
Did you work at the observatory, attend a science camp, live in the mountains, or visit under the dark skies? We are gathering community memories, historic photos, and local voices to celebrate Sunspot's living history and help demonstrate community support during the feasibility study.
Share Your Sunspot Story and PhotosPrefer email? You can also send your stories and photos directly to [email protected].
Gazing at solar prominences through the Dunn Solar Telescope as a student changed my whole perspective on science. Sunspot is too special to lose.
Local Educator, Otero County
Growing up in the Sacramento Mountains, Sunspot was our backyard window into the universe. The dark skies up there are unlike anywhere else.
Mountain Resident, Cloudcroft