White Sands National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

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Like No Place Else on Earth

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.

Park Closures

The Dunes Drive is periodically closed to travel due to missile testing on the adjacent White Sands Missile Range. Please click on 'more' for dates and times of closures.
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White Sands Institute

Have you ever wanted to take a photography workshop led by a professional photographer in New Mexico’s most visited national park area? Or learn about the unique animal and plant species of New Mexico’s White Sands?

Field seminars combining a mixture of outdoor field excursions along with classroom presentations. Will be taught by renown experts. Information about other classes for the 2010 season will be posted later in fall of 2009.
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Seeing the Park on Foot or by Car

For those interested in walking, four marked trails traverse the dunes.
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By car, an 8-mile scenic drive leads from the Visitor Center into the heart of the dunes.
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Ranger-guided Activities

Ranger-guided Activities are held throughout the year, including nature walks, slide programs and special events.
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Write to

White Sands National Monument
PO Box 1086
Holloman AFB, NM 88330

E-mail Us

Phone

Park Information
(575) 679-2599

Climate

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.
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