White Sands National Monument - All Beach, No Ocean

White Sands National Monument contains the world's largest gypsum dune fields. Administered by the National Park Service, White Sands offers fun in the sun and sand for the whole family.

The sparkling white sands were set aside as a national monument in 1933 by President Herbert Hoover who wanted to preserve the beauty of this natural wonder. White Sands National Monument is a popular place for picnics, hiking, family reunions and sand play.

Activities at White Sands National Monument

The scenic drive through the dunes is about eight miles long with frequent signs along the way. As the white sand dunes shift over time, as much as 30 feet per year, the drive and picnic areas must be moved so the drive is always changing. There are group picnic areas inside White Sands National Monument as well as individual sites. Each site has a grill, a shaded table and lots of flat, packed sand for volleyball and other sports. Pets are allowed on leash - please clean up after them.

White Sands has more than six miles of marked hiking trails bit you are not restricted to the trails. Bring plenty of water, sunglasses, sun screen if you plan on hiking. Because it's very easy to get disoriented in the dune fields, bring a compass if you plan on hiking off the marked trails. Mountains to the east and west and occasional water towers serve as recognizable landmarks.

Sand Surfing at White Sands

The tall steep dunes at White Sands are perfect for sliding down. Half a century ago, I remember my uncle sanding and waxing his surfboards for fast trips to the bottom. We would trudge to the top of the highest dunes around and let gravity do its thing. I had a little sled-shaped board that I could sit on and ride it to the bottom. My uncle had narrower boards and he rode them down while standing up. Sure we had lots of tumbles but the sand is soft and rolling down the hills is more fun anyway. Today, you can rent boards at the visitor's center or buy plastic toboggans.

Special events at White Sands

Through the year, mostly during the summer months, there are ranger guided tours and special demonstrations. Check with the visitors center. During the summer months, White Sands is open on the full moon. The sparkling dunes are magnificent under the bright moon.

Things to Know About White Sands

As White Sands is a protected environment, it is against the law to remove sand, rocks, plants or animals from the area. The beautiful white sand is poisonous to your houseplants or your fish tank so don't bother. Bring sun screen and use it. The brilliant white surfaces reflect sunlight so under chin needs sun screen as much as the tops of your ears. Keep hydrated. The desert air dries you out quickly.