White Sands National Monument Park is the
largest pure gypsum dune field in the world. This ever-changing expanse
of wave like dunes, some reaching 60 feet, has a stark and eerie beauty
found no where else in New Mexico.
The 275 square miles the park encompasses is home to several species
of plants and animal particularly adapted for life in this dry and unforgiving
environment. Fast growing plants stay ahead of the wind-shifted dunes.
There are many varieties of cacti to see, and the gorgeous Soaptree
Yucca is found here. White Sands is a transitory stopping point for
hundreds of species of birds, but permanent residents include the Cactus
Wren, the Loggerhead Shrike and New Mexico’s own state bird, the
Roadrunner. Reptiles and amphibians eek out a living here, like the
Spade Foot Toad, which only emerges from underground to breed and lay
eggs in puddles formed by recent thunderstorms. The Apache Pocket Mouse
has developed lightly colored fur to camouflage itself from hunger Badgers
and Kit Foxes.
Visitors to White Sands National Monument Park can go site seeing and
bird watching on the many nature trails in the park. The Dune Drive
is a round trip automobile path, but those who wish to see the park
on foot can take a ranger led nature walk. There is also self-guided
walking tour along the Big Dune Trail or the Alkali Flat Trail. Picnicking
opportunities are available in the Heart of the Dunes area.
Kids visiting the White Sands National
Monument Park can learn about the park and enjoy fun and educational
activities by becoming a Junior Ranger.
The nearby White Sands Missile Range may
occasionally interfere with the parks visiting hours.
