July Full Moon Nights at White Sands Returns with Biggest ‘Super Moon’ of the Year
With the new school year just weeks away, those looking to get out of El Paso for a last-minute summer adventure are running out of time.
If you’re short on time or money consider a day trip to White Sands National Park this Wednesday for not just their monthly Full Moon Nights, but an unobstructed view of the biggest Super Moon of 2022.
What’s a Full Moon Night?
Park closing times are extended by several hours on Full Moon Nights giving park-goers a different perspective of the national monument and its wildlife. Most animals that call White Sands home are nocturnal and only come out in the evening, so any other time you may not catch of glimpse of them.
The entire dunes area will be open, so you can still play in the gypsum sand when the sun isn’t at peak skin-melting degrees, and you can still experience the beautiful sunsets, see the moon rise, and chill under the magical glow of the full moon.
See the Super Moon
July welcomes the second supermoon of 2022 and the biggest and brightest one of the year.
This Wednesday, July 13, the so-called Buck Moon will be at its closest point to Earth, and White Sands would definitely be a great place to get a clear view of the biggest-looking full moons of 2022. From what I understand, it will appear about 14-percent bigger than other full moons and 30-percent brighter.
Go on a Sunset Stroll Too
Get there an hour or two earlier and go sledding down a dune, take a few selfies, photograph the birds and plants that call the park home, and sit and watch one of the more glorious sunsets you’ll ever see.
Entrance Fee
White Sands normal park entrance fees apply. No advanced reservations or tickets are required.
Other Full Moon Nights Dates
• Friday, August 12
Park Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, September 10
Park Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Monday, October 10
Park Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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.