Between the enchantment of snow-coated landscapes and the hush that comes with it, winter reveals a different world of national parks with significantly fewer crowds.
White Sands National Park: 10 Things To Know Before You Go
29.11.2023 - 19:13 / forbes.com / National Park
In southern New Mexico there are some of the most picturesque sand dunes in the world. Perfectly white sand rolling off into the distance, with sharp mountain peaks obscuring the horizon. White Sands National Park is the largest gypsum dunefield on Earth, and the park itself is surrounded by Holloman Air Force Base and the White Sands Missile Range.
Some national parks are designated as such for the scenic beauty of their mountains, glaciers, or epic caverns. Some, like White Sands, are national parks for their unique landscape. Walking on impossibly white sand feels like you’ve been transported to another world. Though small, it’s one of my favorite parks for that very reason.
There are a few things to know before you go, however.
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Like the song says, wear sunscreen. Not only is the park quite far south, meaning more intense sun, but the white sand reflects that sun back up at you, greatly increasing your exposure. It’s also worth wearing a hat and if you’re particularly pasty, long sleeves and long pants.
If you’re visiting the park from a northern state or country, you might not be used to the bright southern sun. Even more so, the sands reflect tons of that light, so even with dark sunglasses you might be squinting. Skiers know about “snow blindness” and this is basically the same thing for the same reason.
Bring lots and lots of water. However much you think you’ll need, bring more. Not only are the dunes hot, they’re dry. They’re also above 4,000 feet. You don’t want to be mid-hike and run out of water. The National Park Service recommends a gallon per person, per day. There is no water in the park, only at the visitor’s center.
Most of the route through the park is paved, but not all. Also, sand regularly covers the road, which can lead to a somewhat off-road feel. You don’t need 4-wheel-drive or anything, I drove though in my Transit Connect campervan, but it’s a slow drive either way.
There are some designated picnic spots, complete with shaded tables. Many of the parking lots have toilets as well. The only real “services” in the park are at the visitor’s center. It’s worth stopping here for some history about the park, and to ask the rangers what the best hikes are and if anything is closed.
If you’re into plane spotting, bring a telephoto lens. There are regular training flights since the park is surrounded by an air force base and a missile range. Sometimes, the main road to the park closes so the military can test.
You can experience a lot of what the park has to offer driving through, and on some boardwalks. In certain areas there are also hiking routes,
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