White Sands National Monument
add photosA National Monument with public access to trails, and dunes, a nature center, gift shop and picnic areas. Because the park lies completely within the White Sands Missile Range, the park is subject to closure for safety reasons on average twice a week, for a duration of one to two hours.
Sledding down the slip face of dunes is a popular activity at White Sands National Monument.
Join a ranger on a leisurely stroll through the dunes and learn
about the unique geology of White Sands National Monument
and the plants and animals that live here. The stroll is held
every evening of the year, weather and staffing permitting.
3 Reviews for White Sands National Monument
388
206
'11, '12
0 families found this helpful
"Sledding on sand "
We had an absolute blast sledding down the sand hills. Every kid, from age 1 to 12 loved sledding or building sand castles. Our nieces and nephews who just moved from Alaska said they enjoyed this sand sledding much more than snow sledding because of the steep slopes, fast runs, nothing to run into and not getting cold and wet!
We visited on a rainy day in November and the weather was perfect. It was cool with a warm sun and the top layer of the sand was crusted with the rain which made for easy walking on the dunes. Sledding down was still quick and fun. The sunset was exquisite and we enjoyed BBQ burgers on the charcoal grill. We ate next to our RV, but there were many picnic areas with charcoal grills and restrooms near by. We saw lots of people on dunes in the distance, but because of the expanse of this park and many dunes, we had several dunes in the pullout all to ourselves.
Tips:
* We brought swim goggles for blowing sand thanks to other trekaroo reviews and it was helpful even though we didn't need it much because of the wet sand.
* Round snow disks were perfect for sledding. Bring your own or rent at the gift shop.
* Sand toys are great for little ones who are tired of climbing the dunes to sled.
* Bring lots of water and snacks.
* Long pants are good for protecting legs from climbing but jean pockets fill with sand and then are just waiting to mess up the car or your laundry floor.
I think sport pants would be the best!
* Bring a change of socks to change into for the drive home.
This is a GREAT place for families to visit. I highly recommend it!
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1 family found this helpful
"Bring goggles!"
This was a must do on our trip, and I'm so glad we made it! We "rented" a sled at the visitor's center before our drive out to the dunes. We had a great time climbing to the top of the dunes and sledding down. The whole area is surreal and very memorable. The blowing sand can be annoying, so my girls put on their swimming goggles to protect their eyes.
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful white sands"
White Sands National Monument is minutes away from Alamogordo & Holloman Air Force Base. You have the option of visiting the visitors center & gift shop before or after you drive into the actual dune areas. My advise is if you think you might enjoy sand surfing, rent a inverted type disc, much like a snow sledding disc, before you enter the dunes. The price is moderate and is charged by the car. Not a bad price if you have a large group with you. The park in the summer months can be VERY hot, so it's best you go prepared with plenty of water and refreshments. There are roadside picnic areas with grills available for cooking out. My kids love climbing up the dunes and then sliding or rolling down . Lots of beautiful white sand dunes to be enjoyed by all!
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