One of the World’s Great Natural Wonders

The white sands of New Mexico glisten in wave-like dunes that engulf 275 square miles of desert. This phenomenon is the world’s largest gypsum dune field and is home to White Sands National Park.

Long known as a recreation mecca in southern New Mexico, White Sands is an ideal location to sled down dunes on snow saucers (available for sale in the gift shop), fly kites, hike the 9 miles of marked trails, walk the dunes at sunset, drive or bike along a paved road (only the first five miles of Dunes Drive is paved, the remaining three miles are a hard-packed gypsum road) that leads to the heart of the dunes, picnic at shaded tables while you enjoy beautiful vistas, and take spectacular photos. Don’t forget to attend a ranger program or stop by the visitor center to watch the orientation film.