Sunset Stroll

Going out in to the dunes with a ranger gives you the chance to ask all the questions you may have and learn about fun and exciting things at the same time.

NPS Photo

The Sunset Stroll is a leisurely, ranger-guided stroll through the gypsum sand dunes. It is a splendid opportunity to experience the dunes first-hand while learning about the uniqueness of our geology, plants, and animals. As an added bonus, the stroll is timed to end at sunset, providing a panoramic view of the sun setting over the mountains and the potential for some breath-taking photographic opportunities.

When

Sunset strolls are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. See below for start time. Check the park calendar for the most up to date listing of programs.

Reservations

Reservations are not required or permitted.

Where

Meet near the sunset stroll sign parking area, an 8-mile (12.9 km) drive from the fee station. Follow Dunes Drive, staying left at the intersection. The Sunset Stroll begins in the parking lot on the left just after you pass the Backcountry Caming Loop trailhead parking. Look for the signs reading "Sunset Stroll Meets Here."

Cost

Program is free. Park entrance fees apply.

Program length

45 minutes to one hour. Varies depending on sunset.

Safety Information

Be prepared for warm and sunny afternoon temperatures. Bring a hat and wear sunglasses. The sand reflects the sun so apply sunscreen to all exposed areas even in winter. Wear loose, light-colored clothing to help keep your body cooler, and bring one liter of water per person for the sunset stroll. Bring a jacket for the cooler evening--as the sun goes down, so does the temperature.

When the park is experiencing a heat advisory, for the safety of staff and visitors, the sunset stroll will be canceled. Please check the park calendar or call 575-479-6124 ext. 236 to check the status of the program.

Fitness

The sunset stroll is an easy to moderate hike. The hike is approximately one half mile (0.8 km) in length, and it is conducted at a leisurely pace with stops along the path. The stroll requires climbing moderate dunes.

Accessibility

The sunset stroll does not require much climbing; however, it does lead visitors off-road, across, and over the sand. As a result, it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Accommodations to visitors with special needs will be made as best as possible, but the stroll may require ascending and descending a few gradual dune slopes.

Service animals are allowed at all park facilities open to the general public.

Restrooms

No toilets are available at the sunset stroll meeting area or along the sunset stroll path.

Seating

Seating is not available on the sunset stroll; however, you may sit on the ground at any time during the program if you wish.

Pets

Pets are allowed as long as they are non-disruptive, on a leash no longer than six feet (2 m), and under physical control at all times. Pets, like humans, should leave only footprints. Pick up after your pet(s) and Leave No Trace.

Programs may be canceled due to public health, weather or missile range activities.

Weather at the park can vary drastically and change quickly. The decision to cancel a program due to weather is rarely made more than 30 minutes before the program start time. Call the park at 575-479-6124 ext. 236 if you would like to confirm that a program is still scheduled. If the program is canceled, it will not be re-scheduled.

2024 Sunset Stroll Schedule

*Schedules are subject to change. Activities may be cancelled.

Dates	Program Time
January 1 - January 20	4:00 pm
January 21 - February 17	4:30 pm
February 18 - March 9	5:00 pm
March 10 - March 31	6:00 pm
April 1 – May 11	6:30 pm
May 12 – August 10	7:00 pm
August 11 – September 7	6:30 pm
September 8– September 28	6:00 pm
September 29 –October 19	5:30 pm
October 20 – November 2	5:00 pm
November 3 - November 27	4:00 pm
November 28 (Thanksgiving)	No Tour
November 29 - December 24	4:00 pm
December 25 (Christmas)	No Tour
December 25 - December 31	4:00 pm