Full Moon Night: Ranger Presentation "Fossilized Footprints"

In partnership with Western National Parks, we are pleased to host a ranger presentation at the White Sands October Full Moon Night event. Join Resource Management Program Manager, David Bustos who will explore the fascinating story of prey and predators as he guides you through a journey of life here at White Sands that will take you back to 23,000 years ago. Learn the tales of ancient humans, how they hunted, how they lived, and the current study of the fossilized footprints found at White Sands which are uncovering this riveting story.

White Sands has the largest collection of Ice Age era fossilized footprints in the Americas. Human footprints along with the footprints of giant ground sloths, mammoths, camels, dire wolves, and other Ice Age animals have been found by the thousands and is currently the focus of groundbreaking research.

Join David for an educational experience on Monday, October 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the park’s natural outdoor amphitheater. The program is free, but park entrance fees will apply. To get to the amphitheater, drive approximately six miles beyond the fee station to an intersection just after the Backcountry Camping Trail parking lot. Take a right at that intersection and then the second left. Drive approximately one mile further and the amphitheater will be on the right side. The parking lot will open at 5:30 pm. Seating is not provided at the amphitheater. You are encouraged to set up on the surrounding dunes and bring camp chairs, blankets, and coolers with food and drinks. Please help keep White Sands beautiful by packing out your trash. The park’s hours will be extended to 9:00 pm for this event.


Fitness
There is an easy .25-mile (400 meters) walk from the parking area to the amphitheater. There are several gently sloping dunes in the amphitheater that may be climbed.
Accessibility
The amphitheater is an outdoor venue with a compact sand surface in most areas. For the full moon night programs, park staff set up a wheelchair and stroller accessible ramp near the stage.
There are a limited number of designated spaces for persons with mobility concerns. Only vehicles displaying a disability placard, or a disability license plate may park in these designated spaces.

Restrooms
There are two vault toilet restrooms in the amphitheater area. Vault toilets are also available in other areas throughout the park.

Seating
Seating is not provided at the amphitheater. You are encouraged to bring camp chairs, blankets, and coolers with food and drinks. Set up on the dunes that surround the amphitheater.

Safety Information
No sledding in or around the amphitheater parking area during the event. When walking to and from your car use the pedestrian walkways, not the roadway. People and cars do not mix. Always keep your children in sight as they may get lost in the crowd. Temperatures can drop very quickly once the sun sets or during storms. Bring extra layers and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.

For more information about our Full Moon Night events: https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/full-moon-night.htm

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Holloman Air Force Base.