White Sands National Monument - White Sands, New Mexico

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Explore the White Sands National Monument in New Mexico
One of the most beautiful natural attractions in New Mexico is White Sands National Monument in the Tularosa Basin. The white sand dunes are a spectacular site to view and photograph, and you can also see many interesting plants and animals that live in this unique environment.

Visitors can explore and enjoy the 275-square mile white gypsum sand dune field at the National Monument in a variety of ways. Hiking, bicycling, backcountry camping and special programs are some of the activities available at White Sands.

The best place to start your tour of White Sands is at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is a Spanish pueblo-adobe style building that was constructed during the Great Depression. You can learn about this unique building as well as the White Sand dune field in the museum located here. There is an orientation video as well as an information desk where visitors can plan their visit, plus a book store, gift shop, and access to fresh water for carrying in on your desert tour.

The Dunes Drive is a scenic route visitors can drive or bicycle to access the heart of the sand dunes. This is a 16-mile round trip that features informational exhibits at pull offs where you can stop to walk and take photographs. There are also parking areas along the drive, and shaded picnic areas are located at the end of Dunes Drive. Be sure to carry in water for this or any other activity at White Sands, as there is no water available along the drive.

There are four hiking trails you can explore throughout White Sands National Monument. Each includes unique attractions and highlights of the dune field. Although visitors can roam freely throughout any area of the Park, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with landmarks by hiking the marked trails before exploring unmarked areas.

It is very easy to become disoriented in the white sand dune field, and off-trail, becoming lost is a potential hazard. If you intend to explore unmarked areas of the desert, be sure to carry a compass. It is also very important to bring and consume plenty of water on any hike in the Park, and to use ample sunscreen.

Visitors can take a guided nature walk at the Park that highlights wildlife, plants and geological features. The Sunset Stroll Nature Walk is held evenings throughout the year. You may also wish to attend one of the evening public programs held on weekend evenings at the amphitheater at the end of Dunes Drive. Public astronomy talks are held Friday nights during the summer months, as well.

Dunes Drive is closed and backcountry camping is prohibited during testing at the White Sands Missile Range. You can check for closure dates and public program information online at the NPS.gov, White Sands website.