White Sands National Monument is hosting its next Full Moon Nights this Saturday, September 10.

And, bonus, you’ll get an unobstructed view of the Harvest Moon -- weather permitting, of course. The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, more commonly known as the first day of fall.

What is White Sands Full Moon Nights?

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 creatures 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 sunset, then chill under the magical glow of a Southern New Mexico full moon.

See the Harvest Moon

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Getty Images
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Harvest Moon is not only one of the most beautiful, most romantic songs Neil Young has ever written, it’s also one of the brightest early evening full moons of the year.

The name dates back to before electricity, when farmers depended on the full moon’s light to harvest their summer crops late into the night.

Go on a Sunset Stroll Too

White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park
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White Sands Full Moon Nights park hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Get there an hour or two before sunset 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.

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.

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