Dawn 'Til Dusk

Los Luceros Historic Site (LLHS) offers extended hours from sunrise to sunset on the first Sunday of each month. During this time, entrance into LLHS is FREE for New Mexico residents with ID, and includes access to the site’s visitor center, historic buildings, trails, and picnic areas. The morning sunrise is a beautiful time to enjoy the birds, and sunset is an ideal time to view bats beginning their nightly feast along the edge of the Río Grande.

Take a morning guided bird walk from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. led by volunteers from the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC). The early morning and late evening are ideal for bird watching at Los Luceros, which boasts a large diversity of species year-round including Lewis’ Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers as well as migratory waterfowl.

Enjoy a storytelling performance with the legendary and renowned Paulette Atencio at 1 p.m. She was born and raised a small community named Peñasco, New Mexico. Through the years her stories have intrigued the young and old and come largely through the memorable experiences of listening to her mother’s stories. As a child, she and her siblings would gather at their mother’s feet, with only the glowing light from the fireplace and listen attentively to the tales of comedy, romance, tragedy, and witchcraft. These are tales and legends which have been passed down through the generations. Be prepared to laugh, cry, tremble, and experience a high level of suspense which leave you wanting more.  Paulette is truly a keeper of New Mexico culture and traditions. Paulette has been telling stories for more than 27 years. She has a master’s in curriculum instruction/English as a Second Language. She is a published author of four books. She also hosts a cooking and baking show.

Educational children’s activities and crafts are available during Dusk ‘Til Dawn and change each month. Ask the visitor team at the front desk about our special educational programming on the day you visit.