{"id":725,"date":"2022-04-26T10:36:30","date_gmt":"2022-04-26T10:36:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mapsofworld.com\/usa\/?p=725"},"modified":"2025-04-04T15:11:46","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T15:11:46","slug":"white-sands-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mapsofworld.com\/usa\/national-parks\/white-sands-national-park.html","title":{"rendered":"White Sands National Park Map"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Originating as deposits on a seafloor more than 200 million years ago, the gypsum (a type of calcium sulfate) spreads across 275 square miles of southern New Mexico\u2019s Tularosa Basin.<\/p>\n

Protecting about 40 percent of the vast dunefield, White Sands National Park offers many ways to explore and enjoy this strangely beautiful terrain, from a short drive to a challenging desert hike.<\/p>\n

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How to Visit<\/h2>\n

Just off U.S. 70, the historic pueblo-style adobe visitor center<\/strong> houses exhibits on the local environment and regularly shows a video presentation called A Land in Motion, which explains the complex series of geologic events that formed the gypsum dunes. Understanding this process will greatly increase your appreciation of the gleaming-white world that awaits outside.<\/p>\n

A walk through the park\u2019s Native Plant Garden<\/strong> can help put a name to some of the Chihuahuan Desert plants found in the area. Wildflowers that might be found from spring through fall include sand verbena, white evening primrose, soaptree yucca, and prairie gentian.<\/p>\n

For those with limited time, the 8-mile (one way) Dunes Drive<\/strong> heads directly into the seemingly endless waves of gypsum, dotted with plants that have evolved to survive here. The view from a vehicle window is rewarding, but a walk on one of the adjacent trails will lead to more intimate discoveries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Information<\/h2>\n

How to get there<\/strong><\/h3>\n

From Las Cruces (52 miles southwest), take U.S. 70 northeast to the park entrance. From Alamogordo (15 miles northeast), take U.S. 70 southwest to the park entrance.<\/p>\n

When to go<\/h3>\n

Summer can be very hot, with temperatures sometimes topping 100 degrees. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common from July through Sept. Fall is usually pleasant and generally the best time to visit.<\/p>\n

Visitor Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The White Sands Visitor Center,<\/strong> open daily, is located on U.S. 70, 14 miles southwest of Alamogordo.<\/p>\n

Headquarters<\/h3>\n

P.O. Box 1086 Holloman AFB, NM 88330 575-479-6124 nps.gov\/whsa<\/a><\/p>\n

Camping<\/h3>\n

Only primitive backcountry camping (10 sites, permit required) is allowed in the park; car and RV camping are not available. Public and private campgrounds are located in the area, but all are at least 10 miles from the park.<\/p>\n

Lodging<\/h3>\n

Lodging is plentiful in the towns of Alamogordo<\/strong> (alamogordo.com<\/a>) and Las Cruces<\/strong> (lascrucescvb.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

US National Parks Map<\/a><\/h2>\n

About the Guide<\/h2>\n
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Bask in the spectacular beauty, thrilling terrain, and quiet peacefulness of the country’s finest state parks, hand- picked by park directors and National Geographic editors. This fully updated fifth edition includes 750 additional off- the-beaten track destinations. Beautifully written descriptions tell the stories of the parks, from their wildlife, natural features, and history to their most popular current activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, water sports, and rock climbing. Vivid images inspire your next getaway, while detailed information–including 32 detailed maps highlighting sites, trails, campgrounds, and more– helps you plan your next excursion. From free to low-cost, from Florida to Alaska, from the six-acre lao Valley to the 204,000-acre Baxter, use this essential guide to plan a day visit or a weekend escape.<\/div>\n
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