Skip to content »
Skip to second navigation »

Apr

01

2012

Jun

15

2012

Sep

05

2012

Nov

05

2012

Apr

01

2013

Jun

15

2013

Sep

05

2013

Nov

05

2013

Apr

01

2014

Jun

15

2014

Sep

05

2014

Nov

05

2014

Apr

01

2015

Jun

15

2015

Sep

05

2015

Nov

05

2015

Apr

01

2016

Jun

15

2016

Sep

05

2016

Nov

05

2016


Walk the Lunar Landscape at White Sands, New Mexico

Published by Megan Eaves, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

White Sands National Monument is a magnificent collection of snow-white sand dunes covering an area of some 275 square miles in Central New Mexico. This unique dune field is comprised of gypsum sand - the transparent mineral that creates the eerie colorless landscape of White Sands. This is considered the largest gypsum dune field on earth and the area consists of an unusual group of plant and animal life that have adapted to the gypsum's white environment, including the spiky soaptree yucca plants that are often the lone evidence of life along the stark landscape of White Sands.

White Sands, New Mexico is about 40 miles east of the city of Las Cruces. It sits within the confines of the uber-secretive White Sands Missile Range where, among other things, the first atomic bomb was developed during the 1950s. Driving in here, you are greeted by signs of nuclear warning and admonishments not to venture afield or trespass on US government property.

On the approach to White Sands National Monument, you'll first arrive at a low-key visitor's center where you can take in a quick history and scientific explanation of the area and how it was formed, as well as buy souvenirs or a sand-sled if you're planning for some fun later on.

The best way to experience White Sands National Monument is via the 8-mile long Dunes Drive. This looping drive winds through the south side of the park, granting access to a large number of dunes, some good for sand-sledding, as well as hiking trails and a platform catwalk where you can read about some of the local flora.

As you drive through the White Sands National Park, you will notice that heaps of gypsum sand have blown across the small roadway, leaving a strange white residue not unlike snow, and the peculiar white landscape seems completely devoid of life, yet uncannily beautiful.

Hiking up the dunes is hard work, especially with the bright New Mexico sun reflecting off the incandescent waves of sand, which seem to stretch on for miles. If you choose to hike here, you must be careful not to get lost, as around every turn, you encounter a new series of dunes that looks and seems exactly like the last. It is for this reason that the National Parks Service has instituted a sign-in/out sheet at each trailhead, in case hikers are lost.

Another popular pastime at White Sands is sand-sledding, where adults and kids of all ages enjoy the thrill of riding a traditional sled down the sloping sides of the lumbering dunes. Combined with the clear white landscape, you could almost fool yourself into believing you were snow-sledding.

Photos

Map

Puzzle

When to Go to White Sands National Monument

The best times to visit White Sands National Monument is during spring and fall, when Central New Mexico weather is at its friendliest and you are sure to have a crimson sky overhead to contrast with the opaque white dunes. The sun at these times of year has not hit the intensity of dead summer, when milling around among the dunes can be nearly unbearable with temperatures rising above 100F. Visiting during winter is also possible, but not as warm with chances of rain or even snow.

Several special events are particularly worthwhile here, including the Moonlight Bike Rides, which occur twice per year in April and October. You’ll want to book space for these events in advance, as they fill up very quickly.

It costs $3 per person to enter White Sands National Monument, which can be paid in cash at the checkpoint near the entrance. If you plan to go sand-sledding, be sure to bring your own sled or toboggan; alternately, the visitor’s center usually stocks sleds that can be purchased for an additional fee.

Odds n' Ends

There are very few considerations for visitation to White Sands Park, other than a sense of adventure, a good camera (try out your black & white photo setting here!) and sunscreen. If you plan to hike, be sure to purchase a trail map from the visitor’s center before setting out and carry plenty of water.

White Sands National Monument can be accessed from US Highway 70. Since this road runs through White Sands Missile Range, access to the park is occasionally closed during missile or weapons testing. Be sure to call or check online before heading out for any road closures. White Sands hours of operation run from 8am to 5pm daily.

More Experiences Nearby

Eat Lunch Ten Stories Down at Carlsbad Caverns National Park
More than 250 million years ago the Carlsbad Caverns of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park were formed as part of a huge inland sea that ran up the middle of what is now the North American continent. They were a part of a massive reef complex that now sits deep under the Guadalupe Mountains in southeastern New Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert. A winding road wraps around the hills of the mountains in a small valley as it makes its way to the visitor center and entrance to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Several stops along the way offer an insight into ...105 miles away.

Video

Video Wall

You are now being transfered to our Video Wall

Books and DVDs

National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States, 6th Edition
Lonely Planet Regional Guide to Arizona, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon Trips
White Sands National Monument

Elsewhere on the Web

White Sands National Monument - NPS.gov

Media References

Instant Adventures - Camp in a Bowl of Sugar - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
Southwest Guide: New Mexico - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)

Language Guides

French , Hindi , Indonesian , Italian , Japanese , Lao , Malay , Mandarin , Portugese , Russian , Spanish , Thai , Turkish , Vietnamese are some of the languages spoken in United States. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

Discussion

Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.

People with experience


Recent Tweets

Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "white sands national monument":