Self-Guided Sunset Hike and Open House

Sunset Hike and Open House at El Morro National Monument

Saturday, August 9, 2025

Open House from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

On August 8, experience sunset from the mesa top. El Morro will extend its hours from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm so that visitors can enjoy early evening in the monument. This is a self-guided hike, but rangers will be stationed at various points along the park trails to provide short talks and demonstrations about the monument's natural and cultural history.

Hikers can start anytime up until 7:15 pm; after that, entry to trails will close.

Plan to complete your hike and return to the visitor center no later than 8:45 pm.

Take the Headland Trail to the mesa top to catch the sunset (8:10 pm). Allow at least 30 to 40 minutes to hike to the mesa top. Slower hikers may want to allow more time. The trail is fairly strenuous with a 240-foot elevation gain in the first half mile of this two-mile trail. Another option is to stroll the easy, half-mile Inscription Loop Trail to enjoy the falling shadows of twilight.

Bring snacks, water, a light jacket for cooling temperatures, and a flashlight or headlamp.

Park programs are free but may be cancelled due to adverse weather.

Quick Reminder: Latest you can begin to hike is 7:15 pm. No entry after 7:15 pm.

For more information, please call the visitor center at (505) 783-4226 x801.