It is called sand but it really isn't. White Sands National Monument protects the world's largest gypsum dune-field, as well as the unique plans and animals that survive in this place. It's located between White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base. Visitors can enter the area through dune road, park anywhere they want (there are many parking/ photo spots along the drive) and even picnic or serf on the white sand.
The location is closest to Alamogordo, a small town that I decided to stop for a night on my cross-country roadtrip. According to the hotel front desk, they get visitors all year-round only to visit this hidden treasure land.
The operating hours of the monument gates might change daily and sometimes it closes for missile tests. Click here to check their hours. You can find the visitor center's operating hours here as well.
There are some park ranger programs you can choose, such as the Sunset Stroll and Full Moon Hike. Click here to see more.
I only discovered this place when I arrived in Alamogordo, so I decided to just take my dog for a drive and a walk. YES they are PET FRIENDLY!
Visitor's Guide
Bring your food and water, or get water and snacks at the visitor center.
It's windy and sandy in there, pay attention to things that might be blown away.
You can find bathroom in there, but better to use as visitor center.
Entrance fee or permits purchase at visitor center.
There are free days or free passes, click here to read more.
Campsite is first come first serve, you can't reserve it in advance.
Pet friendly but your furry friend must be on a leash (Butter was leashed in the photo, but I thought it'd look better without it so I photoshoped it away).
