The White Sands dune field is made up of 4.5 billion tons of gypsum
White Sands National Park was one of the weirdest places I’ve ever seen. The White Sands dune field is made up of 4.5 billion tons of gypsum. Yes, that’s gypsum like the sheetrock in your walls. That is enough gypsum to fill 45 million box cars. That is a train long enough to circle the earth at the equator over 25 times! Doesn’t that blow your mind?
I visited White Sands National Park in late April. This was a nice time of year because it was before it gets too hot and busy. You still have to be very careful hiking here for a few reasons. You will see signs posted warning hikers that people have died on these trails from heat related illness, dehydration, hypothermia, and from getting lost.
There are limited trail markers, and these can get knocked over or covered in moving sands. Footprints can disappear from wind. This can leave a person in a horrible situation, lost in the middle of a white sand abyss. That is why it is always important to locate the last and next trail marker before departing from the one you are on. Never go out in heavy winds or when it is extremely hot. Bring lots of water and lightweight clothing to protect yourself from the sun. In the winter, the temperatures can fluctuate, with comfortable daytime temperatures. However, after the sun sets, the temperatures can drop to below freezing.
Also, remember that you are walking on sand (often up and down dunes). This is much tougher than just hiking on a hard packed trail. Additionally, White Sands National Park is located at 4,325 feet above sea level. Altitude sickness and dehydration can be additional factors to consider. However, you don’t need to be a Navy Seal to enjoy White Sands National Park. You can drive into the park and see plenty of amazing views from your vehicle.
White Sands National Park is located at 4,325 feet above sea level
The Tularosa Basin has fossilized human footprints that date back to at least 23,000 years ago
White Sands National Park is broken up into three main topographies. There is the Chihuahuan Desert, Interdunal, and Heart of the Dunes. This photo is from the Interdunal area of White Sands National Park. You drive through the Interdunal and Chihuahuan Desert on the way to the Heart of the Dunes. The vegetation gets thinner as you get towards the Heart of the Dunes. Below is a photograph of what the Chihuahuan Desert looks like.
White Sands National Park is a special place because it is where we have the oldest evidence for people living in North America. The Tularosa Basin has fossilized human footprints that date back to at least 23,000 years ago! Before this discovery, it was thought that the first humans arrived in North America ~13,500-16,000 years ago.
Did you know?
- White Sands National Park is the largest gypsum dune field in the world!
- People bring sleds out to White Sands National Park to ride down the large gypsum dunes.
- Unexploded ordinance sits within the park. White Sands National Park is adjacent to White Sands Missile Range.
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