Moonlight Hike at White Sands National Park Photo

Moonlight Hike at White Sands National Park

Sep 27, 2026, 7pm - 9pm
White Sands National Park
19955 Highway 70 West
Alamogordo, NM 88310

Experience the serenity of the dunes under the full moon with a Moonlight Hike, offered monthly from March through November. This guided 1-mile trek explores the Dune Life Nature Trail, sharing unique stories of the park under a nocturnal glow.

Tickets & Reservations


Cost
  • Program Fee: $8 for adults (16+); $4 for children (15 and under).
  • Entrance Fee: Standard park entrance fees still apply and are not covered by the program fee or federal recreation passes.

Logistics & Safety
  • Check-in: Arrives 30 minutes early at the Dune Life Nature Trail (2.3 miles past the fee station). Late arrivals cannot join the hike.
  • Difficulty: Rated as moderate. You must be able to hike 1 mile over steep sand dunes in the dark. The group must stay together; early departures are not permitted.
  • Attire: Closed-toe shoes are required. Dress in layers, as desert temperatures drop rapidly after sunset.
  • Supplies: Bring at least two liters of water per person.
  • Parking: Space is extremely limited; please carpool. Only one vehicle per ticketed group is allowed.
  • Regulations & Accessibility
  • Night Vision: To preserve the experience, flashlights, headlamps, and flash photography are prohibited during the hike. Tripods are not allowed.
  • Pets: Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome.
  • Accessibility: This trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. It is not recommended for those with night blindness or mobility impairments.
  • Weapons: No concealed weapons are permitted due to proximity to the missile range.
  • Cancellations: Programs may be canceled due to weather or missile range activity. Call 575-479-6124 ext. 236 for status updates.

Sep 27