The park hosts diverse wildlife that has adapted uniquely to the white environment. Several species, including the Bleached Earless Lizard and White Sands Wood Rat, have evolved lighter coloration for camouflage against the white sand - a remarkable example of rapid evolution. Other notable residents include kit foxes, coyotes, and various species of rodents and reptiles. The park is also home to more than 220 species of birds, including roadrunners and several raptor species. Many animals are most active at dawn and dusk to avoid extreme daytime temperatures.
Despite harsh conditions, over 800 species of plants have adapted to survive in White Sands. Notable species include Soaptree Yucca, which grows taller as sand accumulates, and Skunkbush Sumac, which creates natural gardens on the dunes. The Rio Grande Cottonwood and several species of desert grasses have evolved unique strategies to survive burial by the moving sand. Some plants, like the White Sands Evening Primrose and several cacti species, have developed lighter coloring to reflect intense sunlight and blend with the white sand environment.
The park's iconic white dunes consist of gypsum crystals, making it the world's largest gypsum dunefield, covering 275 square miles. These dunes formed when an ancient shallow sea evaporated, leaving gypsum deposits that were eventually broken down and transported by wind and water from the surrounding San Andres and Sacramento Mountains. Unlike typical sand dunes made of quartz, these gypsum crystals don't absorb heat, remaining cool to the touch even in intense sunlight. The dunes are constantly moving and shifting, traveling up to 30 feet per year due to prevailing winds.
The area's human history dates back over 10,000 years, with ancient Native Americans living around Lake Otero, a prehistoric lake bed. The Mescalero Apache later inhabited the region until the late 1800s. In 1933, President Herbert Hoover designated White Sands as a National Monument, and in 2019, it was elevated to National Park status. The park's modern history is closely tied to military activity, as it borders the White Sands Missile Range, established during World War II. The Trinity Site, where the first atomic bomb was tested in 1945, lies 65 miles north of the park.
The park's most striking feature is its vast field of white gypsum dunes, creating a surreal landscape that resembles snow-covered terrain. Popular attractions include the Alkali Flat Trail, offering challenging hiking through the heart of the dunes, and the Dunes Drive, an 8-mile scenic route perfect for photography. The park also features the Lake Lucero Basin, which showcases the source of the gypsum sand, and Interdune Boardwalk, an accessible trail with interpretive exhibits. Visitors can experience unique activities like sledding down the dunes on plastic discs and watching spectacular sunrises and sunsets that paint the white sands in dramatic colors.
White Sands National Park experiences a desert climate with extreme temperature variations. Summer days (May-September) can reach over 100°F (38°C), while winter temperatures often drop below freezing at night. The park receives only about 10 inches of annual rainfall, mostly during the summer monsoon season (July-September). Spring brings challenging conditions with strong winds and sandstorms, particularly in March and April. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat, with fall (October-November) offering the most pleasant conditions overall.
USA
32.7870°, -106.1720°
December 20, 2019
592.23
White Sands National Park protects a vast field of white gypsum sand dunes, the largest of its kind in the world. The stark white dunes create a stunning landscape against the backdrop of the Sacramento Mountains. The park features unique wildlife adapted to the harsh desert environment and opportunities for sledding on the dunes.