WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK
Places to Visit
Lake Lucero
In the Tularosa Basin, you will find Lake Lucero. The lake is known for its high volume of wind deposited gypsum. The lake is in a protected area for military security. Guided tours are provided by the National Park Service.
Dunes Life Nature Trail
This one-mile loop is moderately difficult. If it is over 85 degrees it is not recommended to do the hike. On this hike, you will hike up two sand dunes and see the new vegetation. This is not where you play in the sand. The area is strictly for observation purposes. You can drive to the center of the dunes to sandboard and sled.
Interdune Boardwalk
The Interdune Boardwalk is a great way for the whole family to view the dunes. There are ten exhibits along the boardwalk to learn about the dunes. Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk as long as they are on a leash and are not being disruptive. The walk is .4 miles and will take around 20 minutes.
Playa Trail
The Playa Trail is an easy half-mile hike that is good for everyone in the family. The hike displays a playa that is a dried-up lake bed that fills up from rainstorms. It is imperative that you stay on the trail; The biological soil crust is easily destroyed by footprints. Pets are allowed if they are on a leash and non-disruptive.
White Sands National Park Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is a great place to go to learn more about the features within the park. The architecture of the building is a mix of Spanish and Pueblo styles. All the materials and furniture are locally sourced.
White Sands Historic District
The Historic District is made up of 8 Pueblan buildings including the Visitor Center. The buildings were built from 1936 to 1940 and are done in a Pueblan-Revival style.