White Sands National Monument

On January 18, 1933, President Hubert Hoover established White Sands National Monument. Located on US 70, White Sands National Monument is 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo. Over 275 miles of gypsum sand rises from an ancient lake bed. Lake Lucero, a source of the sand at White Sands, is a large playa that covers approximately 10 square miles. A playa is a shallow depression or low-lying area that fills temporarily with rainwater from storms. Most of the year, it is a dry lakebed. From the 1950 King Solomon’s Mine to the 2009 Men Who Stare at Goats, this unique terrain has been the backdrop for many major films and commercials.If you choose to take a break and go out and experience the beauty and serenity of this marvel of nature be sure to follow these safety tips:

• Stay hydrated! Make sure you have plenty of water on hand for yourself and your pet companion.
• Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen. Sunburns are common as white sand reflects the sun. Wear light-colored clothing.
• Bring high energy foods such as granola bars or trail mix.
• Be cautious of lightning storms, which can occur even in the absence of rain.
• If you spot wildlife, be sure to observe from a distance. Do not touch or feed the animals!
• Stop by the Visitors Center for more safety information.

Fees to enter White Sands National Monument:
$3.00 per person (good for 7 days) Children 15 years and under free
*Annual Pass: $20.00 Admits pass holder and three people (16 and older) in a private noncommercial vehicle into the park
*Interagency Senior Pass: $10.00 U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 62 and older - lifetime passport; Admits pass holder and three people (16 and older) in a private non-commercial vehicle into any federal recreation area
*Interagency Annual Pass (General Public): $80.00 Admits pass holder and three people (16 and older) in a private non-commercial vehicle into any federal recreation area for one year
*Interagency Access Pass (Disabled U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents): freelifetime passport; Available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are permanently disabled; Admits pass holder and three people (16 and older) in a private non-commercial vehicle into any federal recreation area (documentation of disability necessary)
* Passports do not apply to special use fees, such as camping, the Lake Lucero Tours and the Bicycle Ride events.