Hike, cycle, drive or surf across one of the most striking landscapes in the United States, a colossal area covered in sand dunes.
Spectacular dunes of snow-white gypsum sprawl as far as the eye can see at the White Sands National Monument. This spectacular natural landscape lays claim to being the largest gypsum dune field in the world and extends for 275 square miles (712 square kilometres) of desert.
Begin your adventures at the national monument with a stop by the visitor centre, which was built in the 1930s and is an example of Spanish Pueblo adobe architecture. View exhibits and watch a movie about the monument before venturing out into the dunes.
There are several ways to explore the dramatic landscape, each offering a different perspective on their scale and magnitude. Get in your car for the Dunes Drive, an 8-mile (13-kilometre) scenic drive that departs from the visitor centre. Stop at the numerous outdoor exhibits to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. Find hiking trails, picnic areas and parking facilities along the route.
Walk on the elevated Interdune Boardwalk for a superb view of the dune field and the Sacramento Mountains. This wheelchair accessible walkway features several outdoor exhibits making it both picturesque and educational. Bring a camera to capture lifelong memories.
Hike the trails of the national monument, including the Dune Life Nature Trail, where you can walk on the sand. Cyclists can ride their bikes through the dune field on a hard-packed gypsum sand road or for some heart-pumping fun try sledding down the face of a dune. Sign up for a ranger-led programme, including full-moon hikes and bike rides for a tailored experience of the dunes.
The monument is located between the cities of Alamogordo and Las Cruces and can be reached from either. You can even stay overnight in one of the campsites, which are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
The White Sands National Monument is closed on Christmas Day. There is an entrance fee, although children aged 15 years and younger can access the monument for free. Visitors are reminded to bring plenty of water as there is none is available outside of the visitor centre.
