Location: South New Mexico, 50 miles north east from Las Cruces, 200 miles from Albuquerque, and 15 miles from Alamogardo. Entrance is located on US 70.
White Sands Missile Range: The vast expanse of White Sands is the site where the first atomic bomb was
tested in 1943, and where short range missiles are still tested. The missile range is located about 20
miles south of White Sands National Monument main entrance, and requires identification for any visit.
Vast sand dunes of the White Sands National Park: The best place to hike in these dunes is the
Alkali Flat Trail. This is a 4 mile round trip hike. It is best to follow the orange boards
marking the trail. Here are some pictures taken along the way.
Vegetation is mainly large shrubs in the regions between the sand dunes and flowers
such as the Yellow Evening Primrose, shown below.
Nearby, the Three Rivers Petroglyph site is an interesting place, where you can spot
many drawings on the rocks made by our ancestors.
Amitabha