National & State Parks
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. National & State Parks

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument
courtesy of the National Park Service

Contact Information:
White Sands National Monument
P.O. Box 1086
Holloman AFB, NM 88330 
505-679-2599
http://www.nps.gov/whsa/

Size: 143,733 acres

Location: White Sands National Monument is located on US 70, 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico. 

Description: The park contains a significant portion of the world's largest gypsum dunefield. The glistening white dunes rise 60 feet high and cover 275 square miles. Small animals have adapted to this harsh environment by developing light, protective coloration. Plants also have adapted, extending root systems to remain atop the ever-shifting dunes.

White Sands National Monument
courtesy of the National Park Service
Activities: Begin your trip at the park visitor center, which includes a museum, information desk and bookstore. A 16-mile round trip scenic drive leads from the visitor center into the heart of the dunes and back. Numerous parking areas along the drive allow visitors to stop and walk in the white sands and wayside exhibits at pullouts along the drive provide information about the natural history of the park. The Dune Life Nature Trail is a one-mile self-guided nature trail that focuses on the plants and animals that live within the dunes and the Alkali Flat Trail, is a 4.6 mile (round-trip) backcountry trail that traverses the heart of the dunefield. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, ranger-led activities are scheduled daily, including nature walks and evening slide programs. Other park activities include bicycling and backcountry camping.

Operating Hours: The monument is open daily, except Christmas Day. Due to missile testing on the adjacent White Sands Missile Range, it is occasionally necessary, for visitor safety, to close the Dunes Drive for periods of up to two hours. U.S. Highway 70/82 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces is also closed during times of missile testing. 

History: Proclaimed on January 18, 1933. 

See other National Monuments
See other New Mexico National Parks

 

Explore National & State Parks
About.com Special Features
Vacations Made Easy

Find travel inspiration and get the best tips and reviews for your next getaway. More >

When to Go on Safari

The best times to visit East and Southern Africa. More >

National & State Parks
  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. National & State Parks

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.