See the Last Supermoon of 2022 This Weekend at White Sands Full Moon Nights

White Sands National Monument is hosting its next Full Moon Nights this Friday, August 12. And, bonus, you’ll get an unobstructed view of the year’s final supermoon.

Traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, this full moon brings to a close the monthly procession of four consecutive supermoons, which started in May.

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What’s a Full Moon Night?

Park closing times are extended by several hours on Full Moon Nights giving park-goers a different perspective of the national monument and its wildlife.

Most creatures that call White Sands home are nocturnal and only come out in the evening, so any other time you may not catch of glimpse of them.

The entire dunes area will be open, so you can still play in the gypsum sand when the sun isn’t at peak skin-melting degrees, and you can still experience the beautiful sunsets, see the moon rise, and chill under the magical glow of a Southern New Mexico full moon.

See the Super Moon

The Sturgeon Moon will be the last supermoon of 2022.

It’s called the Sturgeon Moon because the giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this part of summer, according to the Almanac (a.k.a. The Old Farmer’s Almanac).

Although it will be at its peak the night before, it will still be big, bright, and beautiful on Friday, August 12.

Go on a Sunset Stroll Too

Full Moon Nights park hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Get there an hour or two before sunset and go sledding down a dune, take a few selfies, photograph the birds and plants that call the park home, and sit and watch one of the more glorious sunsets you’ll ever see.

Entrance Fee

White Sands normal park entrance fees apply. No advanced reservations or tickets are required.

How to Get There

White Sands National Monument, located southwest of Alamogordo off U.S. Hwy. 70, is about a 90-minute drive from El Paso.