El Morro National Monument invites you to visit on Saturday, August 9, 2025, to experience the sunset from the mesa top. El Morro will extend its hours from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm so that visitors can enjoy hiking during the early evening in the monument. 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 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 sun as it sets at 8:10 pm. This two-mile trail is moderately strenuous with a 240-foot elevation gain in the first half mile. Another option is to stroll the easy, half-mile Inscription Loop Trail to enjoy the falling shadows of twilight.
Bring a flashlight or headlamp, snacks, water, and a light jacket for cooling temperatures. Park programs are free but may be cancelled due to adverse weather.
For more information, please call the El Morro Visitor Center at (505) 783-4226 x 801 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/elmo.