Catch an Epic Sunset on a Park Ranger Guided Sunset Stroll at White Sands National Monument
What is a sunset in White Sands National Park like?
Quite a sight, thanks to the white gypsum sand and surrounding mountains in the distance. Go on a ranger-guided sunset stroll this month and see for yourself.
What Is a Sunset Stroll?
The Sunset Stroll is, per the park website, is “a [free] leisurely, ranger-guided stroll…timed to end at sunset.”
It’s a way to experience the dunes in a whole different way. Most creatures that call White Sands home are nocturnal and only come out in the evening, so going any other time you may not catch of glimpse of them.
Get there a few hours before the scheduled walk and sled down a dune, revel in the breathtaking scenery, then catch one of the more glorious sunsets you’ll ever see.
How Fit Do I Have to Be?
The 45-to-60-minute leisurely stroll is a nearly mile-long moderate walk taken at a leisurely pace with stops along the way.
There’s not a lot of climbing involved, but you will be going off road and across the sand. And this time of the year as the sun goes down so does the temperature, so you’ll want to keep that in mind, too.
When
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the month of December, excluding Christmas Day. The walks begin at 4 p.m.
How Much
Sunset Strolls are free, but normal park entrance fees apply. No reservations or tickets are needed or 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.