White Sands Moonlight Hike Nov. 24: Tickets Open Oct. 24

The last ranger-led Moonlight Hike of 2026 at White Sands National Park is Tuesday, November 24, at 4:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Recreation.gov this Saturday, October 24, at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, and they usually sell out within minutes. The hike costs $8 for ages 16 and up and $4 for kids 15 and under, plus the park entrance fee.

I love this one. The dunes glow under a full moon, bright enough to see your own shadow, and November evenings are crisp and quiet. If you want to go, set an alarm for Saturday morning.

When is the next White Sands Moonlight Hike?

According to the National Park Service Moonlight Hike page, hikes run March through November on nights around the full moon. Two are left on the 2026 schedule.

The October 26 hike has been on sale for weeks, so it is most likely full. Canceled tickets go right back on Recreation.gov, so it is worth checking if you have your heart set on it.

How do I get Moonlight Hike tickets?

Tickets are sold only through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. They open one month before each hike at 8 a.m. Mountain Time, which puts the November 24 hike on sale Saturday, October 24.

A few things to know:

• Each hike is limited to 50 people.
• You can buy up to six tickets per reservation.
• There is no waitlist, but canceled tickets are released right away.
• Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the hike, and park staff cannot process refunds.

How much does the Moonlight Hike cost?

The hike fee is charged by Recreation.gov, and the entrance fee is paid at the park. The White Sands fees page notes that seniors, military members, people with a permanent disability and families with a fourth grader may qualify for a free or discounted America the Beautiful pass. That pass covers the entrance fee but not the $8 or $4 hike fee.

What should I expect on the hike?

You meet the ranger at the Dune Life Nature Trail, a 2.3 mile drive from the fee station, and check-in starts 30 minutes before the hike. If you arrive after the group leaves the trailhead, you cannot join.

The trail is one mile long and rated moderate, with steep dunes and soft sand. The program lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. Here is what the park asks you to plan for:

• Wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a hat, jacket and gloves, since it cools off fast after sunset.
• Bring about two liters of water per person.
• Flashlights, headlamps, flash photography and tripods are not allowed, so everyone keeps their night vision.
• It is not recommended for young children, and the trail is not stroller or wheelchair accessible.
• Leashed pets are allowed on a leash six feet or shorter.

Hikes can be canceled for weather or missile range activity. You can call the park at 575-479-6124, ext. 236, to confirm a hike is still on.

Is there a free evening program at White Sands instead?

Yes. The free Sunset Stroll runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. in November, except Thanksgiving Day, and no reservation is needed. My White Sands Sunset Stroll guide has the full schedule. For a bigger adventure, see my post on the Lake Lucero tour.

What does this mean if you are thinking about moving here?

This is one of the things I tell people about when they ask what life in Alamogordo is really like. A national park is a short drive from town, and you can hike it under a full moon on a Tuesday night and still be home for a late dinner. If you are weighing a move, my Moving to Alamogordo guide covers the basics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule, fees and hike rules come from White Sands National Park's Moonlight Hike and fees pages on nps.gov, checked on 20 October 2026. Programs can change or be canceled, so confirm before you go.