Hike White Sands in New Mexico by the Light of the Full Moon

The monthly Full Moon Hike series has resumed at White Sands National Monument in New Mexico just outside Alamogordo.

From now through November, you can hike the park after dark with only the moon to light your path and a park ranger to guide your way.

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What to Know If You Plan to Go

Full Moon Hike is a group tour with limited capacity. Advanced reservations and tickets are required to go on a park ranger-led full moon hike.

The walk is nearly two-hours long and is considered moderate to difficult depending on how fit you are as it's not a typical hiking trail; on this one you'll walk on sand and up and down dunes.

But you get to experience the Dune Life Nature Trail in a whole different way.

Cost

Cost is $8 per person ages 16 and older and $4 ages 15 and under. Park entrance fees also apply, but you pay for that when you get the White Sands.

Tickets are on sale two months in advance per specific date a hike is being held, and can only be purchased online at Recreation.gov or over the phone at 1-877-444-6777.

2023 Full Moon Hike schedule

• Thursday, May 4, 7:45 p.m.
• Saturday, June 3, 8:15 p.m.
• Sunday, July 2, 8:15 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 1, 8:15 p.m.
• Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, October 28, 6:30 p.m.
• Monday, November 27, 5 p.m.

How to Get There

White Sands National Monument, located southwest of Alamogordo off U.S. Hwy. 70, is a 90-minute to two-hour drive from El Paso depending on your starting point. It's a one-hour drive from Las Cruces, New Mexico.