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Programs are free and do not require reservations. Outdoor programs are weather dependent. Dress in warm layers that can be easily be removed or added as the temperature changes.
Cactus Curiosities Walk
Saturday, October 10
9:30 - 11:30 am
Location: Sandstone Bluffs Overlook, 19 miles south of Grants on Highway 117.
Get to know some members of the family Cactaceae who live at El Malpais National Monument. Discover the awesome diversity of shapes, colors, and adaptations of these charismatic icons of the Southwest. What does tuna have to do with cactuses? Come and find out. This walk will cover 1.5 miles at most. Dress in warm layers, bring sun protection, water, and your curiosity. Wear close-toed shoes to prevent injuries from prickly plants.
Birdwatching Walk
Sunday, October 11
9:00 - 11:00 am
Location: Emergency Operation Center (EOC) off of Highway 53. If the gate is closed, please wait for a park ranger to let you in.
Beginners and children are welcome on this guided birdwatching walk, which will cover a maximum of 2 miles. The trail is rocky in spots. We will be looking for, listening for, and identifying birds while enjoying a peaceful morning outdoors. Bring a pair of binoculars, if possible, otherwise, some pairs will be available to borrow.
Zuni-Acoma Trail Guided Hike
Monday, October 12
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Zuni-Acoma West Trailhead, 17 miles south of Grants on Highway 53. From exit 81 on Interstate 40, head south on Highway 53, and turn just past mile marker 70. Please note the Zuni-Acoma Trail has a second trailhead located on Highway 117. Be sure to go to the west (Highway 53) trailhead.
Take a guided hike with a ranger and discover the hidden life, diversity, and resilience thriving on the Twin Craters lava flow. The first part of the hike is through grassland along a dirt trail. Eventually, the trail turns into a cairn-marked route across rubbly lava flows with loose rocks. The guided portion of the hike will cover about the first 1.5 - 2 miles of the trail one way and return to the parking area along the same route. Bring comfortable hiking boots, weather appropriate clothing, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat.
Full Moon Hike and Moongazing
Friday, October 23
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: La Ventana Natural Arch Trailhead parking lot (Bureau of Land Management) off Highway 117.
Rangers at the Bureau of Land Management will offer a magnificent moon and night creature program. Come see the arch under the moonlight! Dress warmly and please bring a red flashlight or headlamp if possible.
