Most of the gypsum sand that forms the white sands dune field originates in Lake Lucero, a dry lake bed in the southwestern corner of the National Monument. Large gypsum crystals, called selenite, are formed here. As the crystals are exposed to the weather, they break down into sand-size particles, which are blown by southwesterly winds into the dune field. Due to military activities, public access to Lake Lucero is allowed only on scheduled ranger-guided tours.
A Ranger-guided auto caravan and hike to the Lake Lucero crystal beds is offered monthly throughout the year. Tours last approximately three hours (including driving time) and require about l 1/2 miles of walking on the Lake Lucero trail.
(505) 479-6124 or (505) 679-2599 Reservation via email will not be accepted.
Reservations are required and may be obtained by calling the National Monument beginning two weeks in advance of each date. A $3.00 per person special fee (children $1.50) is charged. If you cannot keep your reservations, please notify the Monument immediately so that others may join the tour.
Each tour will begin promptly at the scheduled starting time (see schedule). Latecomers will not be admitted. Tours begin at the Small Missile Range Gate to the White Sands Missile Range, located on U.S. Highway 70, 25 miles west of the White Sands National Monument headquarters, between mileposts 174 and 175 (see map). A park ranger will lead an auto caravan 18 miles along a paved road across the Missile Range to the Lake Lucero trailhead, then escort the group down the trail to Lake Lucero. Visitors will drive their own vehicles.
Bring plenty of gasoline and a spare tire. Drinking water, stout walking shoes and sun protection are recommended for the 1 1/2 mile hike. Pit toilets are available only at the Small Missile Range gate and the Lake Lucero trailhead. Photography is encouraged at the lake, but is prohibited while passing through the Missile Range. Visitors are reminded that federal regulations prohibit the removal of selenite crystals or any other natural or historical objects within the Monument.
College classes and other organized groups may request special tours of Lake Lucero. Contact the park at least 30 days in advance to arrange for the tour.
2 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2007
2 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2007
9 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2007
9 a.m. Sunday, April 29, 2007
5 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2007
6 p.m. Saturday, June 30, 2007
5 p.m. Saturday, July 28, 2007
5 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2007
9 a.m. Sunday, September 25, 2007
9 a.m. Saturday, October 30, 2007
9 a.m. Saturday, November 24, 2007
2 p.m. Saturday, November 24, 2007
10 a.m. Saturday, December 29, 2007
2 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 2007
