• The dunes in soft light

    White Sands

    National Monument New Mexico

  • Closures and Missile Tests

    Upcoming Missile Tests: Friday-Saturday, April 27-28 -- Missile test scheduled on both mornings. Highway 70 will be blocked at Red & Yellow checkpoints. No backcountry camping on Thursday and Friday, April 26 & 27. More »

  • High Winds

    We are in our windy season, so please be aware of possible high winds.

  • Backcountry Camping

    There will be no backcountry camping available the night of Saturday, April 7, 2012.

Full Moon Nights

Download a copy of the 2012 Full Moon Nights Schedule.

 

Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Dr. Irene Blea as "Doña Tules: The Lady Gambler of Santa Fe"
The famous gambling hall of Doña Tules was patronized by soldiers, merchants, traders, conspirators, priests, and dignitaries. This "rags-to-riches" story told from this Spanish woman's perspective with drama and music that will capture your heart. Join Dr. Blea as "La Tules" on the dunes to learn more about Doña Tules' colorful life and influence on the early colonial days of New Mexico.

 

Monday, June 4, 2012 at 8:30 pm
New Mexico's Centennial Celebration:
Historian Alan Osborn and Cowboy Poet Steve Cormier
In celebration of New Mexico's centennial, Alan Osborn and Steve Cormier will bring the Land of Enchantment's rich history alive through captivating stories and cowboy music.

 

Alan will take us on a journey that starts with the pre-Columbian New Mexico cultures, and moves to the coming of the Spanish, Indian-Spanish relations, and Mexican and American takeovers. The program finishes with a look at the influence of White Sands National Monument and the military on modern life in the Tularosa Basin.

 

Through song and yarns, Steve will highlight the rich legacy of ranching in New Mexico. Cowboy music evolved from the open range and ranch employees who worked and rode after cattle during the late 19th and early to mid-20th century. Cowboy songs capture what ranch and farm work was like during this time. Steve Cormier performs these and songs he has written, reflecting his years as a ranch and farm hand.

 

Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Hard Road Trio
Stories abound where the prairie meets the mountains-harmonies and groove complement each other on both original and traditional Americana music. Life-long musicians Steve Smith, Chris Sanders, and Anne Luna will capture you with the power of their distinctive voices, Steve's stunning mandolin artistry, and Anne's elegant bass playing and sweet harmonies. Join this Borderland trio for a moonlit summer evening.

 

Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 8:00 pm
The Adventures of Indiana Bones
Mike McCartney, aka Indiana Bones, combines archaeology, action, adventure, legends, and folklore that will educate and thrill all ages. With the use of artifacts, fossils, lively puppets and a crack of his bull whip, Indy will lead you on a journey of legends and stories of the Southwest. Join him for a family-friendly evening beneath the silvery moon.

 

Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Randy Granger, Native American Musician
Native American flutist Randy Granger will fill the moonlit night with his unique blend of instruments, interpretation of traditional melodies, and heartfelt music. Join this native New Mexican for a relaxing summer evening.

 

Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Nice Hat: History of the National Park Service Uniform
Have you ever wondered where the "ranger hat" came from and why park rangers wear such hats? Join us on this late-summer evening for a fashionable walk through the history of the National Park Service and the uniforms that have identified park rangers since the early days of national parks.

 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Ghost Stories of the Southwest
The crisp October air won't be the only thing sending chills up your spine. Storyteller Sarah Addison, also known as Juba, is returning to White Sands to thrill you with ghost stories of the Southwest. Having learned the art of storytelling from her grandmother, Juba is dedicated to performing, preserving and promoting traditional storytelling. Come share in her passion for folklore and fable.

 
Full Moon Night musicians
Full Moon Night performers on the dunes

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.