White Sands National Park Rangers Will Guide Moonlight Hikes

Published Date

January 19, 2024

White Sands National Park rangers will lead moonlight hikes this year/NPS file

Rangers at White Sands National Park in New Mexico will host nine moonlight hikes between March and November this year. These programs give visitors a chance to enjoy the peace and serenity of this elusive environment after dark and experience stories and resources the park has to offer.

Previously known as Full Moon Hikes, park staff say the Moonlight Hike tag better describes the special opportunity visitors have to experience the dunes at night as the moonlight reflects off the bright, white gypsum sand. Here's the schedule of hikes this year:

Monday March 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 22 at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 20 at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, August 20 at 8:15 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18 at 7:15 p.m.
Wednesday, October 16 at 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 16 at 5 p.m.

Tickets are required for the Moonlight Hike program and must be purchased through Recreation.gov. Tour fees apply and will be charged by recreation.gov. Park entrance fees also apply and will be charged at the park. Tickets become available two months before the day of the tour at 8 a.m. Mountain Time (e.g. a tour on March 25 tickets will be on sale at 8 a.m. MT on January 25). Participant capacity for Moonlight Hikes is limited, and tickets often sell out within minutes. There is no waitlist for sold-out tours.

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