White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

Southwest region of New Mexico At the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert lies a mountain ringed valley called the Tularosa Basin. Rising from the heart of this basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico.

Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and have created the world's largest gypsum dune field. The brilliant white dunes are ever changing: growing, cresting, then slumping, but always advancing. White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of this gypsum dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment.

A variety of activities are available at White Sands including: Auto Touring, Backpacking, Biking, Bird Watching, Hiking, Interpretive Programs, Nature Walks, and unbelievable Stargazing.

An eight-mile scenic drive leads from the Visitor Center into the heart of the dunes. Wayside exhibits at pullouts along the drive provide information about the natural history of the park.

Numerous parking areas along the drive allow visitors to stop and walk in the white sands. Allow 40 minutes driving time for the 16-mile roundtrip, plus additional time for walking, photography or stopping at pullouts. The Interdune Boardwalk has interpretive exhibits.

For those who would like to explore the dunes onfoot, the Big Dune Trail is a one-mile self-guided nature trail.

White Sands National Monument
P.O. Box 1086
White Sands, NM 87747
Phone: (505) 679-2599
www.nps.gov/whsa