The following events will be taking place at White Sands National Monument during the month of May.
Schedule is subject to change. Activities may be cancelled due to weather or missile range activities. Visit www.nps.gov/whsa for more information. **Monument entrance fees are $3.00 per person anyone 16-years and older; children 15-years old and under are free.
Sunset Strolls
Sunset strolls are a great way to end your day. Enjoy a leisurely one-hour ranger-guided walk through sand dunes and learn about the geology, plants, and animals of this unique area. Program starts at the sign along Dunes Drive about five miles from the visitor center. Programs are offered daily. Program is free; monument entrance fees apply.**
6:45 pm April 18—May 8, 7:00 pm May 9—August 9
Step into the Past - More Than a Sandbox: The Agencies and Missions that Manage the World’s Largest Gypsum Dunefield
Join us for the opening of a photo exhibition portraying the historic relationship between White Sands National Monument and White Sands Missile Range. Although similar in name, the two are separate entities established for different missions. This exhibit highlights how our histories are intertwined, the balancing act between public and military use, and the cooperation necessary between the two entities in order for both to successfully reach their individual and collective missions. Meet in the visitor center theater. Program is free.
1 pm Saturday, May 2
Full Moon Hike
Have you ever wondered what the dunes look like under the glow of the moon? Join a ranger for a full moon hike and see firsthand the dunes in a whole new light. Reservations are required and can only be made via our website (www.nps.gov/whsa). Reservations will be accepted starting two weeks in advance of the scheduled hike, and hike is limited to 40 participants. Special fees apply. $8.00 per person 16 and older. $4.00 per person 15 and younger. Monument entrance fees also apply.**
7:30 pm Saturday, May 2. Reservations open 8 am April 18th
Full Moon Nights - Santa Fe and El Paso Youth Symphony Orchestras
Enjoy a moonlit evening of classical music performed by the Santa Fe Youth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Mr. William Waag and the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Andy Moran. Both ensembles feature our region’s most talented young musicians performing masterworks of the orchestral repertoire. Dr. Christopher Hughes, Director of Instrumental Studies at NMSU, will guest conduct the combined ensembles in “Toreador Song” from Georges Bizet’s “Carmen.”
7:30 pm Sunday, May 3
Skins and Skulls
Join a ranger in the visitor center courtyard for a 20-minute talk about the amazing animals of White Sands. Rangers will have pelts, skulls, and other props to provide you an up-close look and feel of the elusive wildlife of White Sands. Program is free.
3:00 pm every Saturday & Sunday through May 24, 3:00 pm daily May 25—September 7
Tent Talks
Have you ever wondered where all this gypsum came from? Or how animals survive in this harsh environment? Join a ranger under the tent on the Innerdune Boardwalk for a 20-minute program that highlights some of the lesser-known stories about White Sands National Monument. Monument entrance fees apply; program is free.
11:00 am every Saturday & Sunday through May 24, 11:00 am daily May 25—September 7
Schedule is subject to change. Activities may be cancelled due to weather or missile range activities. Visit www.nps.gov/whsa for more information. **Monument entrance fees are $3.00 per person anyone 16-years and older; children 15-years old and under are free.