New Mexico Travel.

Walk Through Ice Age History at White Sands National Park During National Fossil Day

Throughout October, White Sands National Park will celebrate National Fossil Day (Oct. 14) with a series of special programs exploring the Ice Age human and mammal fossilized footprints preserved throughout the park. Programs will be offered from Oct. 2 – 28 and will include guided hikes along the new Ice Age Trail, ranger talks, drop-in programming and a special presentation associated with the October Full Moon Night on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 5:30 p.m.

White Sands to Host Native American Flautist for September Full Moon Night Concert

White Sands National Park will host its September Full Moon Night event Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. featuring a concert performed by Native American flautist and storyteller Randy Granger.

El Morro and El Malpais National Monuments Welcome New Superintendent

The National Park Service has selected Brinnen Carter to serve as the new superintendent of El Morro and El Malpais national monuments. Carter begins this new role on Oct. 4, 2026.

“A Play of Candlelight” Annual Program

Step into history at your Fort Union National Monument! On Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, as dusk settles over the historic grounds, the gates of Fort Union will swing open at 6 p.m. for an unforgettable evening.

First Annual First Fort and Arsenal Tours

Fort Union National Monument proudly announces its annual First Fort and Arsenal Tours Days, offering visitors a rare opportunity to stand where Fort Union’s story began. On Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, 2026, the park will host special two-hour guided programs that bring this foundational chapter of New Mexico and Western history to life.

Manhattan Project National Historical Park to Host Days of Peace and Remembrance Events in Richland, WA

RICHLAND, Wash. – Manhattan Project National Historical Park will host two “Days of Peace and Remembrance” events in Richland on August 8 and 9 to commemorate and reflect on the atomic bombings of Japan in 1945.

U.S. Camel Corps Commemoration returns to El Morro National Monument September 12-13, 2026

Join U.S. Camel Corps reenactor Doug Baum, his camels, and park staff at El Morro National Monument from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026, for the U.S. Camel Corps Commemoration event.

National Park Service’s Pueblo Parks Group Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions

National Park Service’s Pueblo Parks Group Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions

National Park Service’s Pueblo Parks Group Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions

The Pueblo Parks Group will implement Stage II fire restrictions on June 25, 2026, due to heightened wildfire danger across Bandelier, Fort Union, Pecos, and Valles Caldera. These restrictions prohibit open flames, smoking outside enclosed spaces, off‑road engine use, and explosives, with additional limits on vehicle operations to reduce fire risk.

Pueblo Parks Group Implements Stage II Fire Restrictions

Due to increase fire risk, Bandelier National Monument, Valles Caldera National Preserve, Pecos National Historical Park, and Fort Union National Monument are entering Stage II Fire Restrictions.

White Sands National Park seeks to contact visitor who handled dead bat

White Sands National Park is trying to contact a visitor who handled a dead bat with bare hands and brought it into the park visitor center on Thursday, June 18. The visitor or their parent or guardian should contact a medical provider or local health department right away to discuss whether rabies post‑exposure treatment is recommended. They are also asked to contact White Sands National Park at WHSA_Interpretation@nps.gov.

National Park Service Announces Stage II Fire Restrictions beginning June 22, 2026 for El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments

As a result of the high fire danger, Stage II Fire Restrictions are being implemented in El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments, effective June 22, 2026. These restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of fire to protect public health and safety, and to protect National Park Service lands, resources, and facilities during the current period of increased fire danger.

National Park Service Announces Stage II Fire Restrictions beginning June 22, 2026 for El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments

As a result of the high fire danger, Stage II Fire Restrictions are being implemented in El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments, effective June 22, 2026. These restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of fire to protect public health and safety, and to protect National Park Service lands, resources, and facilities during the current period of increased fire danger.

White Sands to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with 1st Armored Division Rock Band Performance at Full Moon Night Event.

White Sands National Park will host its first Full Moon Night event of the year on Monday June 29, 2026, at 8 p.m. in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In partnership with Western National Parks, White Sands is pleased to welcome back the 1st Armored Division Rock Band at the park’s amphitheater for a special performance at the park's June Full Moon Night event.

“Fashions & Pastimes” Program June 19-21

Fort Union National Monument will host “Fort Fashions & Pastimes” programs from June 19-21, 2026. The free programs will feature 1800s clothing styles, leisure activities, and how both related to economics and social structures of the time.

Fort Union Days - 2026

The event will feature an 1800s military encampment, living historians portraying soldier and civilian life, and historic weapon and uniform presentations highlighting the period of the 1850s to 1890s.

White Sands to Offer Program Highlighting Artistic Perspectives on the Dunefield

White Sands National Park and park partner Western National Parks will host a special presentation on Sunday May 31, 2026, at 1 pm, in the visitor center theater. Author and photographer Craig Varjabedian will share observations from his time photographing White Sands National Park and discuss his experiences exploring the park’s dunefield.

Discover Manhattan Project History This Summer with Free Ranger Led Programs

Richland, W.A. – Manhattan Project National Historical Park is offering a lineup of free ranger programs this summer, inviting visitors to explore the history, science, and people behind the Manhattan Project.

The Valles Caldera Eruption Experience

Come and experience an immersive simulation of the Valles Caldera eruption! Every hour on the half-hour, the Volcano Discovery Center "erupts" with a multisensory exhibit experience that showcases the past 1.2 million years of geologic history at Valles Caldera. Feel the rumble and quaking of the earth. Hear the explosive volcanic forces that created the 14-mile-wide caldera. Watch the lakes and lava domes appear. At the end of the show, bask in a newfound understanding of this unique landscape, and continue to learn and discover more by interacting with the immersive Valles Caldera exhibit. WARNING: This show includes loud explosion sound effects and flashing lights. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, we recommend visiting the Volcano Discovery Center after the show has concluded (at :35 past the hour). Ask a park ranger about how to experience a sensory-friendly version of the eruption show!

Guided Tour: Forked Lightning Ranch House Caravan Tour

Wagons and cowboys and Hollywood, oh my! On this ranger-guided tour, learn about the Santa Fe Trail and area ranching, with stops at the Trading Post and historic Forked Lightning Ranch House . This tour requires limited walking , but extended periods of stand ing . Tours meet at the visitor center , and attendees then caravan out to the sites in their own vehicles. Tours are free and no registration is required, although space may be limited to 15 people. Unfortunately, the historic road to the ranch cannot accomodate trailers or RVs.

Battle of Glorieta Pass Talk

The Battle of Glorieta Pass was one of the most influential western battles of the Civil War. Join a park ranger for a talk in the historic Trading Post building and see how it played a role in this pivotal battle . Talks meet at the visitor center , and attendees then caravan out to the Trading Post in their own vehicles, about 5 minutes from the visitor center.

Ancestral Sites Trail Guided Walk

Pecos Pueblo sits at the site of a unique ecological and cultural crossroads. Join a park ranger on this tour to lear n a bout the Ancestral Pueblo , Spanish Colonial history, and the importance of this site to communities today . The tour begins at the visitor center and covers one mile with moderate elevation gain. Come prepared with warm clothing, water, sunscree n, and good walking shoes. Tours are free, and no registration is required.

Schedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.

Bat Flight Program

Please join us for the free Bat Flight Program (April through October), an evening ranger talk about bats prior to their flight. No reservations are required for this program that occurs every evening from April through October. The program takes place at the Bat Flight Amphitheater, located at the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern. The start time for the program changes as the summer progresses and sunset times change. Programs may be cancelled in the event of lightning.

Ranger Guided Hike to Alcove House

Hike with a ranger up the ladders to Alcove House! A 2-mile roundtrip leaving from the Visitor Center will take you to a very special ancestral home set in a natural alcove 140 feet up from the canyon floor. Learn about how the Pueblo people lived and moved through the canyon as you set out on the landscape. Please bring plenty of water and comfortable shoes!

Evening Ranger Program

Join a ranger for an evening program and presentation at the Juniper Family Campground Ampitheater. Program topics will vary slightly, call the Visitor Center for the program of the day.

Ranger Guided Hike to Alcove House

Hike with a ranger up the ladders to Alcove House! A 2-mile roundtrip leaving from the Visitor Center will take you to a very special ancestral home set in a natural alcove 140 feet up from the canyon floor. Learn about how the Ancestral Pueblo people lived and moved through the canyon as you set out on the landscape. Please bring adequate sun protection, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes!

An International Dark Sky Park

Experience the night sky as rangers share fun facts, celestial stories and guide you in the observation of deep sky objects through park provided viewers. 60 to 90 minutes. (Historic area trails closed at 4:00 pm. All grounds and gates will close at 9:30 pm)

Lantern Lit Legacies

Why preserve these ruins? Discover this site’s legacy as the sun has set and lanterns now shine during this 45-minute tour. (Historic area only open for this tour’s participants after 4:00 pm on these dates) Gates will reopen at 6:00 pm.

Silent Sentinels

Starting at the visitor center, this staff-led program goes ½ mile to both the second and third forts. 45 to 60-minutes. All programs are subject to change or cancellation due to weather or limited staffing.

Ranger-Guided Walk of Ice Age Trail

Join park rangers on a guided walk of 0.8-mile Ice Age Trail (formerly the Playa Trail) where you can learn about the Pleistocene landscape, its mammal and human inhabitants, and how the fossilized footprints were first discovered in the park.