White Sands

Most people know White Sands as part of the name of a missile range in south-eastern New Mexico. The White Sands Missile Range is about 60 miles east to west and 100 miles north to south. It is the largest military reserve in the lower 48. 

It got its name, however, from a small area within the reserve that is, in fact, white sand dunes composed largely of gypsum. A "small area" is relative; the dunes cover 275 square miles of the desert. The road through the dunes stretches 8 miles. 

A large portion of the dunes area is devoid of vegetation. The white dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Around the edges of the dunes area a variety of vegetation struggles to hang on in this harsh environment.

The road into the dunes begins as a paved road and ends as a compacted sand trail. In the heart of the dunes, the National Park Service duels with the prevailing wind. Modified snow plows are used to push back the drifting sand to keep the roads open. The dunes continue to move in the direction of the prevailing winds. 

The dunes are located at the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert in the Tularosa Basin. The Basin is ringed by mountains. This is a popular tourist attraction. The Park Service has provided amenities. While the picture looks like a row of Conestoga wagons, it is in fact portable picnic shelters oriented to provide protection from the prevailing wind.