Exploring White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Long ago a large lake covered the land that is present day White Sands National Monument in New Mexico, today a sea of sand pristine and powerful, enchants all who enter the preserve.

There are three gypsum dune fields in the Chihuahuan Desert, White Sands is one of them and particularly special because it is the largest on the planet.

Usually gypsum dissolves when mixed with water, but in a rare set of circumstances the ancient lake left behind vast dunes of this mineral, seen few places in the world. The dunes are an ever changing ecosystem, moving like waves with the wind.

When a rare rain occurs in the Tularosa Basin, the water-soluble gypsum cements together forming a striated layer of more solid sand.

A stop at the visitor center details more information on the environment in a short film, along with exhibits, and facilities.

Note that gypsum doesn’t become as hot as sand that you’d find on the beach, so even on the most brutal days of summer you can walk barefoot in the dunes. While you don’t need shoes, you’ll want to bring shades because the light bouncing off the white sand is extremely powerful.

There are four designated trails in the preserve, the Playa Trail is less than a quarter of a mile, the Dune Life Trail is a one mile loop, Interdune Boardwalk is a quarter mile long, and then the more challenging Alkali Flat trail which we will be exploring.

Alkali Flat Trail

A five mile loop traverses around the untouched sands of the desert, do not assume that it is flat as its name may wrongfully imply.

Climbing up and down the dunes can be laborious as your feet sink in and your boots fill with sand. Each tiring step takes you slightly back while gaining just an increment forward, but at every crest immaculate vistas wait.

As with all hikes, but extremely important in the desert, water is life! Bring enough water. There is not shade, a hat and sunglasses are helpful.

Red poles with a diamond symbol mark the trail, it is imperative to see the next marker before moving on. Heading this far out into the desert can become disorienting, there are very few landmarks if any and these markers get knocked down. If you find that you cannot see the next marker, it is recommended to turn around and head back to your car.

One more safety note, the monument is surrounded by military bases, specifically an active missile range. It is not out of the question for debris to land near the trail – if you see a strange object do not touch it because it could be unexploded ordinance. However, I never came across anything other than majestic natural splendor.

No two hikes along this trail will ever be the same due to the wind moving and shaping the dunes daily. It explores the landscape as a whole, and the little details such as the endless line of pure ripples and a straggling plant struggling to survive against a harsh environment.

Most people visiting the park do not tackle this loop and there are many stretches through the sand where you will not see a soul, which makes it all the more memorable.

Good to know:

+There is a $20 fee to enter the park, or it is free with America the Beautiful national parks pass

+Many people come to hike here, but you can enjoy this landscape in other ways as well. Driving the scenic eight mile road, picnicking at one of the shelters, and sledding are additional popular activities. Sleds are available for purchase and rent at the visitor center, along with the wax which makes them slide easier

+Note that the park is surrounded by military bases including the White Sands Missile Range, whose missile tests can close traffic for as long as three hours, check their website or call for closures before visiting

Fun Fact:

+Fossils of humans hunting ground sloths from the last ice age have been found at White Sands from 11,7000 years ago.

‘Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life’ – Rachel Carson

Nearby Attractions:

+Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument

+Pistachioland