Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world’s great natural wonders – the glistening white sands of New Mexico. At White Sands National Park, oceans of white gypsum sands and magnificent wave-like dunes, cover 275 square miles of desert, only 15 minutes west of Alamogordo.
The world’s largest gypsum field, White Sands has unique weather conditions and it shelters some 800 species of animals, including badgers, foxes, coyotes and roadrunners. Trails through the dunes include the raised Interdune Boardwalk and the Dune Life Nature Trail, dotted with interpretive exhibits on wildlife and other features. Come visit, and hike, bike, camp, drive, picnic and sled your way through is incredible natural wonder.
Open year-round, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Phone: (575) 479-6124
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Visit the restored 19th-century ranch house of Oliver Lee, an influential settler in the New Mexican territory and the namesake of the Oliver Lee State Park. Situated south of Alamogordo in the Sacramento Mountains, the park lies at the mouth of Dog Canyon, where a trail takes you to an oasis of pools beneath shady cottonwoods.
The Dog Canyon Recreational Trail offers striking views of the Tularosa Basin to the west and the Organ Mountains to the south. The park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, picnics and wildlife sightings.
Open year-round
Phone: 575-437-8284
The Lincoln National Forest spans 1.1 million acres of southeastern New Mexico, encompassing three majestic mountain ranges: Sacramento, Guadalupe, and Capitan. With elevations ranging from 4,000 to 11,500 feet, the forest boasts diverse ecosystems, from Chihuahuan desert to sub-alpine forest.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, camping, and dirt bike riding. The forest is also home to Smokey Bear, the iconic symbol of forest fire prevention, who was found on the Lincoln National Forest in 1950.
The Trinity Test Site, where the first atomic bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945, is a national historic site open two days a year in April and October (pending Army approval). Visitors can see ground zero and the bomb assembly ranch house.
You can enter through Stallion Gate off Hwy 380 or join a caravan from Tularosa High School, meeting at 7 a.m. and departing at 8 a.m. The caravan returns between 12:30 and 1 p.m. bring a full tank of gas and water. The International Space Hall of Fame Foundation also offers guided tours with lunch.
Find more info and register for the guided tour at http://nmspacetrail.com/sites/NMMSH/Trinity-Site-Tour/register.html
for more information about the caravan lineup https://www.alamogordo.com/trinity-site/ new weekend itinerary coming soon!
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site offers direct access to more than 21,000 prehistoric Jornada Mogollan petroglyphs of masks, sunbursts, wildlife, handprints and geometric designs, all scattered across 50 acres of New Mexico’s northern Chihuahuan Desert.
A rugged ½ mile trail begins at the visitor’s center and links many of the most interesting petroglyphs and places to stop and take in the breathtaking views. Another short trail, just past the picnic area, leads to a partially excavated prehistoric village. Pick up a petroglyph guide at Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, and learn more about the hiking and backpacking trails as well as picnic and camping areas.
Open year-round
Phone: (575) 525-4300
“Our trip was everything we hoped for and more. We came for the adventure, but left with a deeper connection to Alamogordo’s history and natural wonders. The personal touch in every recommendation and the genuine care for our experience made this vacation truly unforgettable.”
Traveller
“Alamogordo’s charm caught us by surprise. From the serene beauty of the White Sands to the hidden gems we stumbled upon, every day brought new excitement. It felt like we were discovering a part of ourselves. A huge thank you to the team for guiding us through such a magical experience!”
Traveller
“Our family’s trip to Alamogordo was a dream come true! The landscapes were beyond breathtaking, and we felt so welcomed by every local. The trip was perfectly planned, with each stop offering something special. We’ll cherish the memories forever, and we can’t wait to return!”
Traveller
