While if you’re a New Mexican, you’ve probably been to our most incredible oasis—White Sands National Monument—you’ve never seen it quite like this. Every time a full moon comes around, the park rangers put together a moonlight hike to learn about the animals that survive in the White Sands, and experience them like never before. Get ready for a truly otherworldly experience as the sun goes down and a full moon guides this magical hike.
As the Earth rotates and we see the moon change in size, White Sands National Park hosts a full moon hike every time a full moon graces our night sky.
White Sands National Monument/Facebook
Taking a hike throughout our incredible national monument is always a special experience, but the magic truly happens at night.
White Sands National Monument/Facebook
Upon this hike, you’ll be guided by a ranger and learn about the animals that inhabit the White Sands, and how they thrive.
White Sands National Monument/Facebook
The term “hiking trail” usually invokes an image of dirt paths, but if you’ve ever been to the White Sands National Monument, you’ll know this isn’t your typical hiking trail. Here you’ll hike upon the sand dunes for an easy stroll.
White Sands National Monument/Facebook Due to some rough terrain and darkness, this hike is not recommended for young children. Older children must accompany an adult at all times, as it can be easy to get lost.
Hiking under the full moon glow is a peaceful and serene experience you can’t find elsewhere.
White Sands National Monument/Facebook
This hike takes place once a month, the night before the full moon. It costs $8 for adults, and $4 for kids 15 and younger.
Visit New Mexico/Facebook Check-in for the full moon hike is 30-minutes before the designated start time at Dune Life Nature Trail. If you arrive late and the ranger has already left, you won’t be able to join.
If you haven’t added this full moon hike to your bucket list yet, you should. There’s truly nothing like this otherworldly moonlight hike.
White Sands National Monument/Facebook The next full moon hike is scheduled for Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
For more information, you can visit the National Park Service website right here.
Have you ever seen the White Sands under a full moon’s glow? What did you think? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your experiences with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!
White Sands National Monument/Facebook
Due to some rough terrain and darkness, this hike is not recommended for young children. Older children must accompany an adult at all times, as it can be easy to get lost.
Visit New Mexico/Facebook
Check-in for the full moon hike is 30-minutes before the designated start time at Dune Life Nature Trail. If you arrive late and the ranger has already left, you won’t be able to join.
The next full moon hike is scheduled for Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
For more information, you can visit the National Park Service website right here.
Not to scare you, but while you’re at White Sands you might want to think about their trail that has a bone-chilling history tied to it.
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