• 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 »

Map Talks

Ranger Danielle with topo map
NPS Photo
 

When you attend a Map Talk, there are so many things you could learn! You may learn about the anatomy of the historic visitor center, the colorful frontier history of the Tularosa Basin, or even how to read tracks in the sand. Or you could simply have your questions answered and pick up tips for enjoying your stay at White Sands National Monument. All you have to do is join a ranger on the visitor center patio!

Programs are offered every day at 1:30 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The rest of the year, Patio Talks are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 pm. These informal programs last about 20 minutes and are a great family activity.

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.