Videos

A video on YouTube showing a metal walk way in sand dunes — The Boardwalk is a great spot to begin your adventure here at White Sands National Park.
NPS Photo

You are now able to explore White Sands National Park virtually by watching the videos below! These clips provide information on safety, geology, plants, and cultural resources as well as tips to help you make the most out of your visit. Time-lapse videos and tours will provide an exciting sneak peek for your trip. You can also learn about our educational opportunities and international partnerships here.

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Safety

Hiking Safety

Staying safe while hiking is a major concern when out on the park's trails. Learn about how to keep safe during your visit.

Geology

Lake Lucero

The Lake Lucero area is an exciting place of discovery within White Sands. In this video, Chief David Bustos talks about the source of the sand and the wildlife who visited this lake thousands of years ago, and the waterfowl it attracts today.

Water and Wind

White Sands dunefield exists because of a unique convergence of wind and water in the Tularosa Basin. Learn about how water contributes to the creation of gypsum crystal and how the wind builds, moves and shapes these broken crystals into sand dunes.

Plants

Cradle of Life

Learn about how biological soil and water allows plants to survive and life to thrive in the dunefield.

Plant Spotlight: Pickleweed

Also known as saltwort, Pickleweed is a salt tolerant plant that is native to the Alkali Flat area of White Sands National Park. Join Ranger Sandra as she talks about this interesting and often overlooked little plant.

Plant Pedestals

Pedestals are a unique survival technique used by the plants here within the dunefield. They also provide homes for wildlife.

Plan Your Visit

An Overview of White Sands National Monument

This brief vidcast was made by Explore! New Mexico in 2010. This quick overview will give you an idea of what we're all about here at White Sands!

White Sands National Monument Uncovered: Part 2

This brief vidcast was made by AdventureCrew in 2008. Park Ranger Kathy Denton talks about how the sands were formed and where they came from.

White Sands Virtual Tour

Here you will find general directions and information about wildlife, services and programs available within White Sands National 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. Program starts at the sign along Dunes Drive about five miles from the visitor center. Programs are offered daily starting at 7 pm through August 9th. Program is free; monument entrance fees apply.

Full Moon Nights

Full Moon Nights are always highlights of the summer here at White Sands. Watch this video to get a feel for the fun, entertaining and often magically peaceful experience these concerts provide.

Sledding at White Sands National Monument

Get the most out of your sledding experience with these tips from your friends at White Sands.

Cultural Resources

Historic White Sands National Monument Video

Produced in 1938, this video shows us what it was like to visit White Sands in the early days of the monument's existence.

Visitor Center Tinwork and Adobe

This video looks at the history of our visitor center and other adobe buildings that are part of the park's historic district. Also included are demonstrations of making combed glass and how to mix adobe.

Science

Science in Parks: White Sands National Monument

There is exciting science happening at White Sands National Monument. Discover the role of water in the existence of the dunefield.

Researcher Field Note With Simone Des Roches

The lizards at White Sands offer a special glimpse into the evolution and unique adaptations of a species. Simone Des Roches shares her research with us in this video.

The Wonderful Moths of White Sands

You probably don't think about moths very often, but did you know that there are several species that are unique to White Sands? Discover these species that are brand new to science with moth expert Eric Metzler.

Mammoth Footprint Photogrammetry

Several cenozoic trackways have been discovered within White Sands National Monument. Check out this photogrammetry- a 3D picture- of mammoth tracks found here at White Sands.

Fossilized Footprint Video Thumbnail (Human) — NPS Photo

Fossilized Footprints B-Roll

The following video is broadcast-quality video of the fossilized footprints at White Sands National Park. The below videos are in the public domain, not copyrighted, and is designed as B roll footage. However, please credit as "Courtesy of the National Park Service.

Education

Geology Ranger Minute

Ranger Eugene talks about how the dunefield formed at White Sands National Monument. Learn how the conditions in the Tularosa Baisn are perfectly unique for the creation of gypsum sand.

International Partnerships

National Park Rangers Visit Colombian National Parks

National Park Service employees not only work at sites across the country, they also support conservation around the world. In 2009, the National Park Service (NPS) was invited by USAID/Colombia to visit Colombia to assess potential collaborative activities between NPS and Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia (Parques). As a result of that initial trip, one area of collaboration identified was in the fields of environmental education and interpretation.

Yucca with white sands dunes in the background — NPS Photo

Sister Park Cooperation

Cooperation between the two parks to better understand the environment of the gypsum dune systems, especially the water under them and contribute research about climate change.