White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument

This New Mexico site comprises the southern part of a 275 square miles (710 km2) field of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. Gypsum is rarely found in the form of sand because it is water-soluble.

Unlike dunes made of quartz-based sand crystals, the gypsum does not readily convert the sun's energy into heat and thus can be walked upon safely with bare feet, even in the hottest summer months.

In areas accessible by car, children frequently use the dunes for downhill sledding. The ground in the Alkali Flat and along Lake Lucero's shore is covered with selenite crystals which reach lengths of up to three feet (1 m).

Weathering and erosion eventually breaks the crystals into sand-size grains that are carried away by the prevailing winds from the southwest, forming white dunes.

Location

About 25 km (15 miles) southwest of Alamogordo
New Mexico
USA

Getting There

White Sands National Monument is located in the Tularosa Basin in southern New Mexico, about 16 miles southwest of Alamogordo. However, there is no public transportation available directly to the monument. The best way to reach White Sands is by car. There are car rental services available in the nearby cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo. Alternatively, you can also book a tour from either of these cities that includes transportation to and from the monument.

Nearby Airports

This is a list of primary airports in New Mexico that have scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.