Its white sands are not composed of quartz, like most desert sands, but of gypsum and calcium sulfate. Adults: $3 per person. The small hill overlooking the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. White Sands National Monument is a unique preserved area containing the largest gypsum sand dune field in the world. Hiking: This is by far the most popular activity to do at the White Sands National Monument and there are endless options for hiking! Obtain your permit at the entrance booth. Massive sand dunes that resemble ocean waves cover 275 square miles of New Mexico’s desert. Great pictures, however, require techniques and way of looking at things that pros have learned. It is recommended, though, that you start with the 6.2 miles of marked trails. What you likely do NOT think about, is endless white sands as far as the eye can see. It features incredible white gypsum sand dunes, and is the only sand dune like it in the world! Things to do near White Sands Motel on Tripadvisor: See 3,572 reviews and 2,083 candid photos of things to do near White Sands Motel in Alamogordo, New Mexico. White Sands National Park. Things To Do At White Sands National Park. Post. You will take a drive southwest on Highway 70 out of Ruidoso and descend the foothills surrounding Sierra Blanca peak, you’ll eventually find yourself in the Tularosa Basin. CONSIDER MAKING Alamogordo or Las Cruces your home base during a trip to White Sands. They can even add to the adventure. Within White Sands National Park, you will find countless opportunities for discovery, fun, and the creation of lifelong memories. Right next to the park is the White Sands Missile Range. White Sands National Monument. The main road into and out of the points of interest is called the Dunes Drive — it’s only about 16 miles roundtrip to drive the whole road to and from the Visitor Center. Explore the dunes and enjoy the silence and solitude of the dunefield with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Nestled in the Tularosa Basin between the Sacramento and San Andres Mountain ranges of southern New Mexico is a one of a kind outdoor experience. Things To Do White Sands National Monument. Desert views for miles! You can explore the various areas and features of the dune field, so have an adventure and enjoy one or all of the park's four trails. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Alamogordo, New Mexico on Tripadvisor: See 11,183 traveller reviews and photos of Alamogordo tourist attractions. Mar 15, 2019 - Looking for a photo adventure in New Mexico? There, 225 square miles of the purest white gypsum sand dunes stretch out as far as the eye can see. You’re surrounded by them. Things to Do. serts have their own unique hazards. Add a Place. Keep reading for travel photo inspo and more! A White Sands day trip is a perfect jaunt down the mountain. Don’t forget to get wax too. The road is suitable for cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and buses. A short drive from Holloman Air Force Base, many military retirees choose to reside in Alamogordo. Always the first stop at any national site. You’re surrounded by them. If you’re visiting Big Bend National Park with children, or you’re just a dinosaur lover like us, don’t miss the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, located 8 miles north of Panther Junction on Highway 385, heading to Marathon. Alerts. It is part … Restaurants. There is no better way of experiencing the unique landscape of White Sands National Park than by venturing out onto any of our five established trails. Things To Do In White Sands NM For Photographers - Dani The Explorer Give White Sands New Mexico a visit! The powdery, white gypsum dunes not only look like snow, they behave like it as well. More. Sign in. Most sledder's use waxed, plastic snow-saucers, which can be purchased at the park gift shop. 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