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.

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. The spring includes black-chinned hummingbirds, Wilson’s warblers, and yellow-billed cuckoos and in the winter visitors may see migrating Sandhill Cranes.

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.

Dawn ‘Til Dusk days also offers artists a great opportunity to enjoy golden hour and extended times for painting, sketching, and landscape photography. The lighting, historic buildings, and scenery are ideal for portrait photography.

Los Luceros Historic Site offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages and interests to explore and enjoy the site from dawn until dusk. In addition to guided bird walks and hands-on activities, picnics are common and encouraged as visitors can bring a blanket to eat under the Cottonwood trees. Visitors are invited to enjoy one of the site’s many benches in scenic locations throughout the site, including along the river, and children are encouraged to bring their bicycles to explore the site in a fun new way. New Mexico residents enjoy free admission during Dawn ‘Til Dusk and can learn more about the rich history and landscape of the area.