White Sands National Monument

Sand verbena blooms in this arid environment.

This bleached earless lizard has evolved a white coloration to blend with the sand.

White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of the world's largest gypsum dune field, along with the distinctive plants and animals that have adapted to this harsh environment.

A few species have even evolved white coloration to blend with the sands.

The snowy white dunes rise to more than 60 feet and cover 275 square miles. The dune field is about 10,000 years old. Sand blows in from a seasonally-wet lake bed where gypsum continues to form.

An eight-mile drive from the visitor center explores the heart of the dunes. Along the route are exhibits highlighting the park's natural history and some interpretive trails.

The visitor center itself is something to see. Built between 1936 and 1938 by the Works Progress Administration and other government agencies, it is an excellent example of Pueblo Revival architecture. The visitor center and adjacent seven buildings, built 1936-40, have been designated as the White Sands National Monument Historic District.

There are no developed campgrounds in the park, but a one-mile hike off the scenic drive leads to backcountry campsites.

Established trails include the one-mile, self-guided Dune Life Nature Trail, the quarter-mile, wheelchair-accessible Interdune Boardwalk and the 4.5-mile Alkali Flat Trail, recommended for experienced hikers only.

Dunes Drive is closed during missile testing on the White Sands Missile Range.

Biking is allowed on park roads only.