• The dunes in soft light

    White Sands

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Closures and Missile Tests

    Upcoming Missile Tests: From time to time the missile range that surrounds us performs missile testing that may require the closure of the park or Highway 70. Please follow the link below for up to date information on closures More »

Natural Features & Ecosystems

Geology
One of the most outstanding features of White Sands National Monument is its unique geology. Without it, the white sands of New Mexico would not be here!

 

Cuatro Ciénegas
Whereas White Sands National Monument is the largest gypsum dunefield at 275 square miles, its sister park, Cuatro Ciénegas in central Mexico, is the world's second largest gypsum dunefield, with an area of just eight square miles.

Did You Know?

Aerial photo of parabolic dunes.

Not all sand dunes are alike. Dunes may take many forms, depending on the amount of sand available, the strength and direction of prevailing winds, and the type of vegetation in the area. Four types of dunes can be found in the white sands dunefield.