Explore White Sands National Monument
Alamogordo, New Mexico
Description
Added by Chris Mongeau
Surreal gypsum white sand desert surrounded by mountains. Amazing sunsets. Sledding down the dunes.
The White Sands National Monument is one of the most surreal locations in the southwest. Located just north of Las Cruces, NM, White Sands is about a 45 minute drive from the city of Las Cruces. To access the park from any location, you'll take Route 70, and from Las Cruces it's one straight shot to the entrance.
The gypsum, white sand of the Tularosa Basin is unlike anything else in the world, and at 275 square miles, it's the worlds largest gypsum dune field. Once you enter the park on Dunes Drive, you can park at a few different turnouts and hike the Dune Life Nature and Playa trails, or just wander into the desert for some isolation. Within the dunes, there is a diverse and unique ecosystem of flora which are awesome to photograph. The best time I've found to visit is golden hour, a couple of hours before sunset. Because of the bright sun and white sand, it can be difficult to get a good exposure during daytime light, and the sunsets here are breathtaking to photograph. During the summer, (May 24-September 5) visitors can stay in the park until 9:00PM, so a good time to visit is the end of August or early September if you want sunset into dusk photos. During the winter (January 1-February 20) visitors must exit before 6:00PM. Check the NPS website for complete hours and updates before you visit.
Bonus: You can sled down the dunes with saucers or any time of smooth-surfaced board, the gift shop rents out saucers and wax for under $10 and if you get a good running start, sledding down these dunes is a blast.
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Reviews
It's a must see while visiting NM. Just breathtaking at Golden Hour. Bring a sled to go down the sand dunes. So fun!
5.0
Ever want to hike through a missile range in the middle of a desert? It's a strange juxtaposition to be hiking through one of the most beautiful sites in the country that needs to be shut down occasionally for missile testing. Spend plenty of time here, and like everywhere else make you see the light coming off the sand for either sunrise or sunset. It turns the place into a movie set.
5.0
I was on my way back to Utah from Big Bend National Park and was trying to time my arrival for sunset but I took a little bit too long at the Pine Tree Trail in the Organ Mountains and missed the entrance opening for sunset. The next morning I stopped at almost every turnout to experience the sand dunes. I learned the difference between silica dunes versus gypsum and gypsum dissolves much like sugar and salt. Also, the sun's rays get reflected instead of absorbed into the sand so the dunes are not as hot as other silica type dunes. Definitely worth a visit!!
4.0
We were so happy to get to this park. It's breathtaking! We went in March, so we actually were wearing winter jackets; I cannot imagine how hot it gets in summer. It was fun to walk around. Once we were out of the visitor center (which is an intriguing stop), we saw less than 40 people. We spent about 2 hours here on a road trip.
4.0
When I was there in February 2017 it was extremely crowded with a Fourth of July at the Lake kind of atmosphere. Wasn't expecting that. But we were able to find some areas that had a little more solitude. Great for photos!
4.0
Have been to White Sands several times and have hiked several of the trails. Very beautiful place.
5.0
One of my favorite desert parks. I brought a friend from Germany once, and upon stepping out of the truck (tinted windows) he was amazed and the first thing out of his mouth was “It really is like snow!”
5.0
There are designated paths around the park, with markers sticking out of the sand to keep you on the right track. It is so nice to keep those in your mind and also roam around a bit to get away from the direct lines taken by so many. Absolutely stunning to photograph at sunset and sunrise. Really stunning spot.
4.0
I lived very close so I’ve been there a while, my advice, it gets very bright, so if you want to take photos go there WITHOUT sunglasses because if you go with them you won’t be able to take them off!
5.0
May through October the park offers Full Moon Night programs with live music and speakers and it is a great way to enjoy the beautiful park, but also learn a little about New Mexico. Bring layers as nights can be chilly!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Camp at White Sands National Monument
Hike the Alkali Flat Loop
Dune Life Nature Trail
Hike Oliver Lee State Park Dog Canyon
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Hike the Salado Canyon Trail
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