El Morro National Monument invites you to visit on Saturday, September 6, 2025, to experience sunset from the mesa top. El Morro will extend its hours from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm so that visitors can enjoy the late afternoon as it fades to early evening. 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. El Morro is located at mile 44 on Highway 53.
Hikers can start the trail up until 6:45 pm; after that, entry to trails will close. Plan to complete your hike and return to the visitor center no later than 8:00 pm. Take the Headland Trail to the mesa top to catch the sun as it sets at 7:35 pm. The trail is moderately 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.
Wear sturdy footwear and bring a flashlight or headlamp, a light jacket for cooling temperatures, snacks, and water. Park programs are free but may be cancelled due to adverse weather. Please remember, the latest you can start the trails is 6:45 pm but do come earlier to get the most out of your hike!
For more information, please call the visitor center at (505) 783-4226 x 801 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/elmo.
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