Originating as deposits on a seafloor more than 200 million years ago, the gypsum (a type of calcium sulfate) spreads across 275 square miles of southern New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin.
Protecting about 40 percent of the vast dunefield, White Sands National Park offers many ways to explore and enjoy this strangely beautiful terrain, from a short drive to a challenging desert hike.
How to Visit
Just off U.S. 70, the historic pueblo-style adobe visitor center houses exhibits on the local environment and regularly shows a video presentation called A Land in Motion, which explains the complex series of geologic events that formed the gypsum dunes. Understanding this process will greatly increase your appreciation of the gleaming-white world that awaits outside.
A walk through the park’s Native Plant Garden can help put a name to some of the Chihuahuan Desert plants found in the area. Wildflowers that might be found from spring through fall include sand verbena, white evening primrose, soaptree yucca, and prairie gentian.
For those with limited time, the 8-mile (one way) Dunes Drive heads directly into the seemingly endless waves of gypsum, dotted with plants that have evolved to survive here. The view from a vehicle window is rewarding, but a walk on one of the adjacent trails will lead to more intimate discoveries.
Information
How to get there
From Las Cruces (52 miles southwest), take U.S. 70 northeast to the park entrance. From Alamogordo (15 miles northeast), take U.S. 70 southwest to the park entrance.
When to go
Summer can be very hot, with temperatures sometimes topping 100 degrees. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common from July through Sept. Fall is usually pleasant and generally the best time to visit.
Visitor Center
The White Sands Visitor Center, open daily, is located on U.S. 70, 14 miles southwest of Alamogordo.
Headquarters
P.O. Box 1086 Holloman AFB, NM 88330 575-479-6124 nps.gov/whsa
Camping
Only primitive backcountry camping (10 sites, permit required) is allowed in the park; car and RV camping are not available. Public and private campgrounds are located in the area, but all are at least 10 miles from the park.
Lodging
Lodging is plentiful in the towns of Alamogordo (alamogordo.com) and Las Cruces (lascrucescvb.org).