White Sands National Monument - General Park Information

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa 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 created the world's largest gypsum dune field.

White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of this unique dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment.

The Dunes Drive is periodically closed to travel due to missile testing on the adjacent White Sands Missile Range.

Each of the trails in White Sands National Monument is different. You can explore the various areas and features of the dune field, so have an adventure and enjoy one or all of the park's four trails.

Be prepared when hiking in the desert. Be sure to take plenty of water and snacks and wear walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses when going hiking in the desert. A minimum of one gallon of water per person per day is recommended. There is no water in the park, so be sure to fill up at the Visitor Center before you go. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink -- you're already dehydrated by then.

You are welcome to walk anywhere within the park as long as you use an established pullout or parking area. It is recommended, though, that you start with the 6.2 miles (10 km) of marked trails. Before hiking anywhere, orient yourself to natural and human-made landmarks, such as the different mountain ranges and water towers.

A cautionary note: It is easy to become disoriented and lost in the dune field, especially when strong winds erase your footprints and obscure landmarks. A compass is strongly recommended for cross-country or off-trail hiking. And remember to avoid, whenever possible, walking across the fragile cryptobiotic crusts in the interdune areas!

If you take your pet hiking, please remember to keep it on a leash at all times for its safety and out of consideration for other visitors.

The Tularosa Basin, a high desert area, averaging 4,000 feet (1200 meters) in elevation, is subject to harsh, and sometimes rapidly changing climatic conditions. Spring is windy season. Summers are hot, averaging 95°F. (35°C.) highs with occasional readings over 100°F. (38°C.). Winters are relatively mild, but night-time temperatures often go below freezing (0°C.) Snowfall is infrequent, but heavy snows have occurred on occasion. Precipitation averages about 10 inches (250 mm.) per year, with most falling during summer thunderstorms, often accompanied by lightning and hail.