Welcome to White Sands—The Newest National Park in the U.S
Posted by Estrella Quiroz on 3.10.20 in Announcements, Destination, News
Located in the Tularosa Basin of the Chihuahuan Desert lies America’s newest declared National Park where the glistening white sands are so large and luminous, they can actually be seen from space.
White Sands, New Mexico is home to a 176,000-acre gypsum dune field, making it the largest in the world. Visitors across the world are coming by to hike, sled, camp and photograph this worldly apparition.
How to get there:
- 1.5 hours from El Paso International Airport (El Paso, Texas)
- 45 minutes from Las Cruces International Airport (Las Cruces, New Mexico)
What to do:
1. Sunset strolls across the dunes
End your day leisurely walking across the dunes while learning about wildlife and geology in this unique area. Take a seat and enjoy the glowing beauty of one of the best sunsets in the southwest.
2. Sled into the sands
Trade in the snow for an experience like no other by sliding down the white dunes. Grab a sled from the gift shop (or bring your own) for some unforgettable memories.
3. Camp under the stars
The only thing that shines brighter than the white sand are the stars up above. With only ten camping spots per night, enjoy the seclusion and become one with nature.
4. Full Moon Hikes
The best hikes are those under the glow of the moon. This one is not one that should be missed....
5. Tour Lake Lucero—The birthplace of the dunes
Curious about how the white sands formed? Take a tour to the birth place of the dunes and find out how the white sands came to be formed.
Photos taken by the NPS
Where to stay:
Hotel Encanto Las Cruces
Don’t want to camp in the dunes? Head one hour out and step into the grandeur of Spanish Colonial tradition at the luxury Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, a legendary Heritage Hotel & Resort property. Overlooking the striking Mesilla Valley in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces is a premier 3-star hotel with full-service amenities and facilities fall travelers. No detail is spared in this upscale Las Cruces hotel.
