Destination Attractions At White Sands, Nm

Travel guide on planning a vacation in White Sands, New Mexico, one of the natural wonders of the world, including hiking, biking, camping and shopping spots.

One of the most unique places in all of New Mexico is a place called White Sands, so named because of the huge dunes of gypsum sand which cover the 275 square miles of desert called the Tularosa Basin. White Sands is located at the north end of Chihuahuan Desert and is so barren that even the few plants and animals that do exist there struggle to do so. The animals which have survived have adopted a white skin coloring to blend in with the ever-blowing sands. The National Monument of White Sands New Mexico is considered one of the world's greatest natural wonders and is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. The crystal-like sand is so white that it gives the appearance, from a distance, of being snow-covered ground. There are many reasons why people go to White Sands, New Mexico. Sure, they want to view the unique terrain, but biking, hiking and camping are also main attractions there. Sightseeing along Dunes Drive is a spectacular experience, along with stopping for picnic at the Heart of the Dunes.

At the White Sands Visitor Center you can get tons of information about the area, or visit the book store or the museum. The museum has displays featuring various attractions in the area, along with information about plants, animals and the history of the desert. And of course, there's a gift shop where you can take home souvenirs and memorabilia like t-shirts and coffee mugs. From Memorial Day to Labor Day there are nature walks with the desert rangers giving guided tours. Evening slide shows are a relaxing way to spend a portion of the night, then a sunset stroll, and the rest of the evening can be spent stargazing. The clear desert atmosphere is perfect for seeing hundreds of twinkling stars against an almost black sky.

It's about 8 miles by vehicle from the Visitor Center to the Heart of the Dunes and there are various places where you can pull over and see exhibits about the nature and the history of the area, or take photos and walk. And if you prefer to see the dunes on foot, The Big Dune Trail is a mile long hike full of sight-seeing opportunities. Plants and animals are featured in a booklet which you can carry along the trail to point out interesting spots. Or, The Alkali Flat Trail which begins at the end of Dunes Drive is an unforgettable hiking experience of about four and a half miles which goes straight to the heart of the dunes. Although not many birds live in the gypsum dune field, over 200 different types of birds have been spotted in the surrounding foothills, lakes and plains. The Visitor Center is reportedly the best place to catch glimpses of the various birds.

Especially for the kids, there are fact sheets and lists, by grade level, of suggested reading about geology, plants and animals in the White Sands area. And kids can become Junior Dunes Rangers by joining the program for four to thirteen year olds who are visiting. This is a fun way that kids can learn all about the park and help the rangers with their duties.

Nearby is the White Sands Missile Range where various weapons are tested by the U.S. military, causing the Dunes Drive to be closed occasionally. Visitors are asked to call the day before to make sure the Dunes Drive will be open the following day. When Dunes Drive is closed for these purposes, it's usually only closed for about three hours, allowing you to make earlier or later arrangements. White Sands, New Mexico is a must-see for people who love to view unique natural wonders and for those who love to travel.

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