BLM Hosts Full Moon Hike & Star Viewing at La Ventana Natural Arch Trail

  • Mount Taylor as seen from Roundy Pond outside Bluewater Village on October 3. In the lead up to recent monsoon storms this pond was dry to the very bottom. Courtesy of Kristine Simonson
    Mount Taylor as seen from Roundy Pond outside Bluewater Village on October 3. In the lead up to recent monsoon storms this pond was dry to the very bottom. Courtesy of Kristine Simonson

    Come for the Hike, Stay for the Cosmic Show 

    GRANTS, N.M. – Step into the moonlight and discover a whole new side of the desert by joining park rangers from the Bureau of Land Management’s El Malpais National Conservation Area for a moonlit hike on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026.

    The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a 45minute guided hike on the La Ventana Natural Arch Trail. Along the way, rangers will share stories about the moon and the desert’s nocturnal wildlife. After the hike, participants can also take a closer look at the night sky through telescopes, including BLM’s new Dobsonian telescope.

    Participants should bring a flashlight, weatherappropriate layers, sturdy shoes and plenty of water. For everyone’s safety, hikers are asked to remain with the group along the trail. For the best night sky viewing experience, please avoid using flashlights or bright screens during the stargazing portion of the program. Dim red lights will be set up in the telescope area to help participants navigate the stars without losing their darkadapted vision.

    For more information, please email El Malpais NCA Park Ranger Evie Forster at ebforster@blm.gov or call (505) 280-2918.