White Sands National Park

By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor

With its stunning natural beauty, endless outdoor activities, and comfortable lodging and dining options, it’s no wonder why this is the state’s most popular. It is indeed one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. This stunning landscape is known for its towering white gypsum sand dunes, which cover an area of more than 275 square miles. It’s no wonder that White Sands National Park is the most visited park in the state with an average of almost 800,000 per year.

The park’s most iconic attraction is the White Sands Dunes, which are easily accessible by car or on foot. Explore the dunes by hiking, sledding, or even sandboarding down the slopes. In actuality, this type of sand sledding is much more fun than the cold snow sledding because it’s not as biting cold. You can enjoy the fresh breeze rushing against your face as you slide down the dunes. For a more immersive experience, guided tours are also available to learn white dunes, and visitors can take guided tours. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in White Sands National Park. From hiking and biking to horseback riding and birdwatching, the park offers endless opportunities to explore and connect with nature. For those seeking more adventure, the park also offers occasionalcamping and backpacking opportunities, as well as stargazing events for astronomy enthusiasts. However, accessibility can be dependent on season and activity at the nearby missile range about the park’s history and geology.

The closest regular accommodation is in Alamogordo, 15 miles northeast, while the nearest free camping is in the Lincoln National Forest, 5 miles further east along US 82. A good public campground is available 26 miles away at Oliver Lee State Park in the foothills of the Santiago Mountains, reached by US 54 south of Alamogordo. Inside the park, the only food and drink option is at the gift shop. Outside the park, try D.H. Lescombes Winery and Bistro at nearby Alamogordo.

Another must-see attraction is Lake Lucero, located at the western edge of the park. This dry lake bed is surrounded by the park’s famous