• 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 »

Interpretive Programs

Ranger giving a patio talk

Map Talks
Learn about unique aspects of the monument from these 20-minute informal ranger talks on the patio of the visitor center. Learn more...

 
Full Moon Rising Over Dunes

Full Moon Hike
This summer White Sands will be offering a new way to experience the monument, under the glow of the full moon. Sign up for one of these ranger-led 1-1.5 mile hikes and explore the beautiful dunes in a whole new light. Learn more...

 
a tour bus

Commercial Bus Tours
Are you bringing a commercial bus tour group to White Sands? We've put together some information to answer what questions you may have. Learn More...

 
visitors enjoying a Lake Lucero tour

Lake Lucero Tours

Join a ranger and learn about the formation of the sands and the special plants and animals that live in and around the dunes. Learn more…

 
visitors enjoying a sunset stroll at the monument

Sunset Strolls

Sunset strolls are a great way to end your day. Enjoy a leisurely one-hour ranger-guided walk through sand dunes and learn about the geology, plants, and animals of this unique area. Offered daily one hour before sunset. Learn more…

 
Full Moon rising at White Sands

Full Moon Nights

Enjoy the beauty of the white sands under the light of the full moon and join us for our six Full Moon Nights programs offered this summer. Learn more...

 
visitor registration at the full moon bike ride

Full Moon Bike Rides

Take a leisurely bike ride through the monument. No cars are allowed in the monument during the event. Learn more…

 
Sunrise over the dunes

Sunrise Photography
Geared towards the amateur photographer, this free program is offered only twice a year. Join a ranger to catch your own images of the sun rising over the dunes on this one-hour program. For more information...

 
Crafty Kids

Crafty Kids
Come join a ranger and get your hands involved in learning! For more information on this one-hour program, click here...

 
Skins and Skulls

Skins and Skulls
Did you know 44 different species of mammals live at White Sands? Join rangers every Saturday and Sunday to learn more about them. More information....

 
hike_smart

NPS Photo

Hike Smart!
Join a ranger at the Dune Life Nature Trail and learn wilderness survivial skills. Learn More...

 
JR_RNGR_WEB

Junior Ranger Program
Earn a Junior Ranger badge and learn about White Sands with a ranger. Learn More...

 

White Sands National Monument 2013 schedule of events

 
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Did You Know?

Photo of yucca growing on a dune

Some species of plants can survive burial by a moving dune by a process called "stem elongation." As the sand rises, the plants quickly grow upward to keep their leaves above the rising sand.