We are hikers. I don’t think the die hard ones-yet, but we love to hike. Our most challenging hike was to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. The hike is about 15 miles round trip, depending on where you start. The elevation gain is 1,463 feet. The last 1/2 mile of the hike is the Half Dome cables. Two metal cables secured in the rock with poles allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing. The cables are normally up from the third week-end in May until Columbus Day, so if your goal is to reach the summit, plan accordingly. Along the hike you will see incredible views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap and Half Dome. The view from the top is a spectacular panoramic view of Yosemite Valley and the High Sierra. I would recommend you to be in pretty good shape, carry plenty of water, lunch or at least snacks, a pair of gloves to help with the climb along the cables and a headlamp with good batteries in case your return is in the dark. The trail is well marked, however a compass and a topographic map are a good idea as well. Plan to start before or around sunrise. We left our vehicle at 5:00 am and returned at 5:00 pm. For us, the hike was well worth it and the beautiful scenery was breathtaking.
Sedona Arizona
Sedona Arizona
Sedona Arizona is a beautiful picturesque city and often referred to as “Red Rock Country”. It is located at the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon in central Arizona. The city is surrounded by red-rock monoliths that are named, “Coffeepot”, “Cathedral” and “Thunder Mountain”. The elevation is 4,500 feet and the annual average high and low temperatures are 74.7° and 45.7°. Sedona is one of Arizona’s premier tourism areas and attracts more than 4 million tourist from around the world each year. Arizona is a beautiful picturesque city and often referred to as “Red Rock Country”. It is located at the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon in central Arizona. The city is surrounded by red-rock monoliths that are named, “Coffeepot”, “Cathedral” and “Thunder Mountain”. The elevation is 4,500 feet and the annual average high and low temperatures are 74.7° and 45.7°. Sedona is one of Arizona’s premier tourism areas and attracts more than 4 million tourist from around the world each year.
Outdoor recreation in Sedona is endless. You can hike, take a sight-seeing tour or a jeep tour, golf, bike, rock climb, raft down the “Wild and Scenic” Verde River, go horseback riding, soar the sky in a hot air balloon or helicopter. Sedona has over 100 trails for hiking and biking. When your day is done, you can enjoy a message at one of the many spas. The shopping and dining are about as endless as the outdoor recreation is, so plan to stay more than a day.
Sedona is surrounded by unusual rock formations, buttes and mountains. The beauty and picture opportunities are priceless. Some of these unusual formations include: Camel Head, Snoopy Rock, Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, Cockscomb, Bear Mountain, Capital Butte, Boynton Canyon, Chimney Rock, Finn Rock, Thumb Butte and The Bench.
A drive to the Airport Mesa gives you a stunning view of the area. Other popular places to visit are: the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park.
Posted in Vacation Spots.
– April 30, 2009
Devil’s Postpile National Monument
Devil's Postpile National Monument
Devil’s Postpile is located in central California. It rests along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The elevation is 7,560 feet and the Monument consists of 800 acres. Less than 100,000 years ago basalt lava erupted two miles upstream from today’s postpile. As the lava cooled it contracted and cracked, forming the columns of Devils’ Postpile. A hike to the top of Devil’s Postpile reveals a cross section of columns that resembles floor tiles. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the worlds finest examples of columnar basalt. The columns tower 60 feet high and display an unusual symmetry. Devil’s Postpile is not only basalt columns, it is also home to Rainbow Falls. The waterfall plunges 101 feet over a cliff of volcanic rock. When the Sun is overhead on a clear day, rainbows sparkle in the mist that rises from the rocks below the falls.
Camping:
A 21 site campground located near the ranger station is open from mid June to early October, weather permitting. The campground is first-come first-served, there are no reservations. Each site has a picnic table, firepit and bear proof food storage lockers. There is running water and flush toilets, however there are no showers or RV hook-ups. There are seven Forest Service campgrounds outside of the Monument. They are: Agnew Meadows, Agnew Meadows Group, Agnew Meadows Horse, Upper Soda Springs, Pumice Flat, Pumice Flat Group, Minaret Falls and Reds Meadow. All are first-come first-served except Agnew Group, Horse Camp and Pumice Group.
Hiking:
There are about 8 miles of trails in Devil’s Postpile National Monument. Hiking outside the Monument will take you into the High Sierra of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Within Devil’s Postpile are parts of “The John Muir Trail” as well as “The Pacific Crest Trail.”
Devil’s Postpile-(easy) .4 mile one way to the base and another 15 minutes uphill to the top of Devil’s Postpile.
Minaret Falls-(easy) 1.4 mile hike to a waterfall that lies just outside the Monument boundary.
Rainbow Falls- 2.5 mile hike one way.
Rainbow Falls
Fishing:
The San Joaquin River is a designated Wild Trout River with abundant fishing opportunities. Anglers can keep up to five fish with a valid California fishing license. Other fishing is available at Sotcher and Starkweather Lake, both which are nearby.
Popular Places:
Devil’s Postpile- the climb to the top is amazing.
Minaret Falls
Minaret Lake
Rainbow Falls
Soda Springs Meadow
Helpful Tips:
- Because black bears are commonly seen in Devil’s Postpile, dispose of trash in animal-proof trash cans or dumpsters.
- Keep your food and trash from wildlife by storing it properly, day and night.
- Dress in layers. Temperatures can easily go from 90° to 50° in a matter of hours, especially in the summer and fall months.
- Pack plenty of water for your hiking adventures. It is hot and dry in the summer.
- The Monument is closed during the winter and spring months.
- As with any National Park or National Monument Area, “Leave No Trace”.
The Top of Devil's Postpile
Posted in National Monuments.
– April 29, 2009
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
Gila Cliff Dwellings are located in south central New Mexico in the rugged Gila Wilderness and surrounded by the Gila National Forest. The cliff dwellings is a glimpse into the past of the homes and lives of the “Mogollon” people who lived in the area over 700 years ago. It is a well preserved dwelling that offers guided tours daily. Approximately 40 rooms were built inside several natural caves in the Gila Dweller Canyon. The Gila Visitor Center is a great place to start. It consist of a small museum that includes Mogollon artifacts from the Gila Cliff Dwellings, a book store and a 15 minute video that portrays what life may have been like for the Mogollon who built and lived in the dwellings.
Camping:
Camping is available in the surrounding Gila National Forest. The closest campgrounds to the Monument are Upper and Lower Scorpion Campgrounds. Picnic tables and grills are provided. Other campgrounds in the areas include Forks Campground and Grapevine Campground. There are no tables or grills located at these campgrounds. Vault toilets are at these campgrounds.
Hiking:
The hiking trails start either near the Visitor Center or the Cliff Dwellings. Each one will introduce you to a different type of terrain and an enjoyable hiking adventure. All of the trails except the Cliff Dwelling Trail and Trail to the Past are designated wilderness areas and are more primitive, therefore maintenance including signs and trail markers are limited.
Gila Cliff Dwellings
Cliff Dwelling Trail- 1 mile loop
EE Canyon Loop (from Woody’s Corral) – 8 miles
Little Bear Canyon (from TJ Corral) – 8.5 miles
Middle Fork and West Fork Trails-
Stock Bypass Loop (from TJ Corral) – 4.5 miles
Trail to the Past- 1/2 mile round trip
West Fork Loop (from TJ Corral) – 11 miles
Hot Springs:
Jordan- 8 mile hike from the visitor center
Lightfeather- 20 minute walk from the visitor center
Helpful Tips:
- The distance from Silver City to the Cliff Dwellings is only 44 miles via State Highway 15, however the travel time is about 2 hours due to twisting and winding mountain terrain.
- Carry plenty of water while hiking.
- Be aware of river crossings, water depth and speed can change quickly at any time, but especially during thunderstorms.
- Do not attempt a crossing if you are unsure of it’s safety.
- Consider a compass and a topographic map if hiking in the wilderness.
- Mexican Grey wolves were re-introduced to the wilderness in 1999, use caution.
- Bears and Mountain Lions live in the wilderness. Store your food away from your sleeping area.
- As with any National Park or National Monument Area, “Leave No Trace”.
Drive to Gila Cliff Dwellings
Posted in National Monuments.
– April 29, 2009
Death Valley Day Hikes
Day Hikes in Death Valley:
Badwater Salt Flat-(easy) 1/2 mile to edge, 5 miles across
Dante’s Ridge-(moderate) 1/2 miles to first summit, 4 miles to Mt. Perry
Desolation Canyon-(moderate) 3 miles round trip
Golden Canyon Interpretive Trail-(easy) 1 mile one way
Gower Gilch Loop-(moderate) 4 miles round trip
Little Hebe Crater Trail-(moderate) 1 mile round trip
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes-(easy-moderate) 2 miles to highest dune
Mosaic Canyon-(moderate) 1/2 to 2 miles one way
Natural Bridge Canyon-(easy) 1 1/2 mile one way
Salt Creek Interpretive trail-(easy) 1/2 mile round trip
Titus Canyon Narrows-(easy) 1 1/5 miles one way
Adventurous Hikes-
No trails- you’re on your own.
Bighorn Gorge-(strenuous) 10 miles one way
Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop-(strenuous) 26 to 30 mile loop
Death Valley Buttes-(strenuous) 1 1/2 mile to top of first butte
Fall Canyon-(moderately strenuous) 3 miles to first dry fall; 6 miles to second dry fall
Hanaupah Canyon-(moderately strenuous) 3 miles to spring in south fork
Hole-in-the-Wall-(moderately strenuous) 2 to 10 miles
Hungry Bill’s Ranch-(moderately strenuous) 2 miles to ranch; 7 miles to Panamint City
Indian Pass-(moderately strenuous) 6 miles to springs; 8 miles to pass
Little Bridge Canyon- (moderately strenuous) 3 miles one way
Owlshead Mountains-(moderate) 7 miles to upper; 16 mile loop to return through Granite Canyon
Panamint Dunes-(moderate) 3 miles to dunes
Surprise Canyon-(strenuous) 5 miles to ghost town
Titanothere Canyon-(moderately strenuous) 4 1/2 miles to Lostman Spring; 12 miles to Scotty’s Castle Road
Summer Hikes:
These are cooler hikes and may have snow on them until June.
Wildrose Peak Trail-(moderately strenuous) 4.2 miles one way
Telescope Peak Trail-(strenuous) 7 miles one way
Posted in Hiking.
– April 28, 2009
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is located in southeastern California. Nearly one million people visit Death Valley each year. Death Valley consist of 3.4 million acres of desert and mountains. It is the largest National Park in the lower 48 states. It is the hottest, driest and lowest spot in North America. Summertime temperatures can reach 120°. The highest mountain in Death Valley is Telescope Peak at 11,049 feet. The lowest point in Death Valley is Badwater Basin at 282 feet below sea level. The main areas to visit in Death Valley are Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, Scotty’s Castle and Panamint Springs. Each have their own unique sights as well as beauty. Accommodations include 9 campgrounds, 3 resorts and a motel. From snow-covered peaks, colorful badlands, rugged and colorful canyons to beautiful sand dunes, Charcoal Kilns, Ubehebe Crater, Scotty’s Castle, ghost towns and a waterfall, Death Valley has so much to see and much to offer.
Camping:
Death Valley has nine campgrounds. Of the nine campgrounds only four are open all year round: Furnace Creek, Mesquite Spring, Emigrant and Wildrose. Texas Spring, Sunset and Stovepipe Wells are open October to April and Thorndike and Magogany Flat are open April to October. Lodging is also available at three different resorts within the park. Furnace Creek Inn, Furnace Creek Ranch and Panamint Springs Resort.
Hiking:
There are hiking trails in Death Valley that range from different lengths and difficulties, however most back-country areas are accessible only by 4 wheel drive and cross country hiking.
Sand Dunes:
Less than one percent of Death Valley is covered with dunes. For dunes to exist, there must be sand, prevailing winds and a place for the sand to collect. The canyons and washes provide plenty of sand, the wind always blows, however there are only a few areas where the sand is collected. The best known and easiest dunes to visit are listed below.
Scotty's Castle
Eureka Dunes
Ibex Dunes
Mesquite Flat Dunes
Panamint Dunes
Saline Valley Dunes
Popular Places:
Furnance Creek Area- Artist Drive, Badwater, Dante’s View, Devils Golf Course, Golden Canyon, Natural Bridge, Twenty Mule Team Canyon and Zabriskie Point.
Panamint Springs Area- Aguereberry Point, Darwin Falls, Father Crowley Vista, Lee Flat Joshua Trees and Wildrose Charcoal Kilns.
Scotty’s Castle Area- Eureka Dunes, Scotty’s Castle, The Racetrack and Ubehebe Crater.
Stovepipe Wells Area- Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Mosaic Canyon, Salt Creek and Titus Canyon.
Helpful Tips:
- Telephones are located at the park’s resorts, contact stations and museums. Cell phones do not work in Death Valley.
- Make sure your vehicle is is in good mechanical condition and your fuel tank is full before you start out on a day’s tour.
- Check your vehicles gauges often. Radiator water is available from storage tanks along park roads, however, you want to keep your vehicle filled with ample water.
- Fuel is only available at Furnace Creek Ranch, Stovepipe Wells Village and Panamint Springs Resort.
- Bring more than enough water for hiking. Keep well hydrated.
- Avoid activity in the hottest part of the day in the summer season.
- The purchase of groceries is limited at Furnace Creek Ranch General Store. Panamint Springs Resort and Stovepipe Wells have convenience stores, so pack accordingly.
- Off-road driving is not allowed in the park. there are over 750 miles of paved, high-clearance and 4×4 roads in the park and are open to all licensed vehicles.
- Follow speed limit signs. More people die in single-car accidents than by any other means in Death Valley.
- Death Valley is home to dangerous animals like rattlesnakes, scorpions and black widow spiders, never place your hands or feet where you cannot see first.
- Beware of flash floods during rain storms and be alert for water running in washes and across road dips.
- Do not enter mine tunnels or shafts. Mines can be unstable, have hidden shafts, pockets of bad air and poisonous gas.
- Summer high temperatures can reach 120°, pack accordingly and bring sun screen.
- As with any National Park or National Monument Area, “Leave No Trace”.
Badwater
Posted in National Parks.
– April 28, 2009
Yosemite Day Hikes
Days Hikes in Yosemite:
Day hikes in Yosemite vary from short easy hikes to strenuous full day hikes up to the top of Half Dome. The most popular include: Mirror Lake, Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point Road.
Alder Creek-(strenuous) 12 miles round trip.
Bridalveil Creek-(moderate) 4 miles round trip.
Cook’s Meadow Loop-(easy) 1 mile loop.
Dewey Point-(moderate) 7 miles round trip.
Dog Lake & Lembert Dome-(strenuous) 4 miles round trip.
Elizabeth Lake-(moderate) 4.8 miles round trip.
Gaylor Lake-(moderate) 2 miles round trip.
Glen Aulin-(moderate) 11 miles round trip.
Four Mile Trail-(strenuous) 9.6 miles round trip.
Half Dome Trail-(strenuous) 16.8 miles round trip.
Lookout Point-(moderate) 2 miles round trip.
Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail-(easy) 8 miles round trip.
Mariposa Grove-(moderate) 6.9 mile loop.
Mirror Lake-(easy) 5 mile loop around the lake.
Mirror Meadow-(easy) 2 miles round trip.
Mono Meadow-(strenuous) 3 miles round trip.
Mono Pass- (moderate) 8 miles round trip.
Ostrander Lake-(strenuous) 12.7 miles round trip.
Panorama Trail-(strenuous) 8.5 miles one way.
Poopenaut Valley-(strenuous) 3 miles round trip.
Sentinel Dome & Taft Point-(moderate) 2.2 miles round trip.
Smith Peak-(moderate-strenuous) 13.5 miles round trip.
Swinging Bridge Loop-(easy) 4.8 mile loop.
Tuolumne Meadows-(easy) 1.5 miles round trip.
Upper Cathedral Lake-(moderate) 7 miles round trip.
Valley Floor Loop-(moderate) Half loop- 6.5 miles. Full- 13 miles.
Vogelsang High Sierra Camp-(strenuous) 15.8 miles round trip.
Wawona Meadow Loop-(easy) 3.5 mile loop.
Wawona to Mariposa Grove-(moderate) 6 miles.
Hikes to Water Falls:
Bridalveil Falls-(easy) 1/2 mile round trip.
California Falls-(moderate) 15 miles round trip.
Chilnualna Falls-(strenuous) 8.5 miles round trip.
Lower Yosemite Falls-(easy) 1 mile round trip.
Nevada Falls-(strenuous) 7 miles round trip.
Rancheria Falls-(moderate) 13.4 miles round trip.
Tuolumne Falls-(moderate) 8 miles round trip.
Upper Yosemite Falls-(strenuous) 7.2 miles round trip.
Vernal Falls-(moderate to strenuous) 1.6 miles round trip.
Wapama Falls-(moderate) 5 miles round trip.
Waterwheels Falls-(moderate) 17 miles round trip.
Posted in Hiking.
– April 27, 2009
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains covers 521,085 acres. Of this total, 276,343 acres are in North Carolina and the remaining 244,741 are in Tennessee. Between 8-10 million people visit The Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, making it the most visited national park in the country. Great Smoky Mountains is world renowned for its plant and animal life, the beauty of ancient mountains and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The mountains have had a long human history dating back thousands of years. Wildlife is abundant with black bears, deer, elk and coyotes. Scientists believe 1,500 black bears may live in the park. This equals a population density of about two bears per square mile. The park is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.” It consist of over 1,660 different kinds of flowering plants, more than in any other North American national park. In the Smokies high country, over 85″ of rain falls on average each year making waterfalls plentiful. They range from 20 feet to 120 feet. The Great Smoky Mountains offers panoramic vistas, rushing mountain streams, historic buildings and grand forests. There are three visitor centers, each offering exhibits, bookstore, shop and restrooms. There are at least 30 different species of salamanders in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is the most diverse salamander population anywhere in the world, and has earned the park nickname “Salamander Capital of the World.”
Camping:
There are 10 campgrounds with a total of 1000 campsites in The Smoky Mountains. Reservations are accepted for 4 of the campgrounds only from May 15-October 31. All other campgrounds are first-come, first-served. Two of the campgrounds remain open year-round. The other eight campgrounds close seasonally. Each campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. Each campground has restrooms with cold running water and toilets, however there are no showers located in the park. Campfires are permitted only in fire grates. Collecting of firewood is allowed as long as it is on the ground.
Hiking:
The Great Smoky Mountains is a hikers paradise with over 800 miles of maintained trails. The trails range from easy short hikes to strenuous long hikes that may require back-country camping. Hikers can enjoy the mountains during all months of the year. Each season offers a different scenic view. Approximately 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail runs through the park.
Waterfalls:
Waterfalls can be seen on nearly every river or stream in The Smoky Mountains. The reason: ample rainfall and elevation. The average rainfall is over 85″ of rain each year.
Laurel Falls
Abrams Falls
Grotto Falls
Hen Wallow Falls
Indian Creek Falls
Juney Whank Falls
Laurel Falls
Mingo Falls
Mouse Creek Falls
Rainbow Falls
Ramsey Cascades
Tom Branch Falls
Popular Places:
Balsam Mountain- Off the beaten path and a long drive on the one way “Balsam Mountain Road” but the mountain views and summer wildflowers are worth the drive.
Cades Cove- An 11 mile one way loop road takes you around the cove. Wildlife viewing at it’s best along with historic buildings.
Cataloochee Valley- One of the most picturesque places in the park. Requires an 11 mile drive on a winding gravel road.
Clingmans Dome- The highest point in The Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet. Amazing mountain views from the observation tower offers 360° views of the Smokies and beyond.
Fontana Dam- The tallest dam in the eastern United States at 480 feet.
Roaring Fork- 5 mile narrow, winding road is a favorite side trip to many visitors. View wildflowers, mountain streams and historic buildings.
Helpful Tips:
- Watch for vehicles straying over the center line.
- Be on the look-out for slow traffic, especially around scenic pullouts or other congested areas.
- Be aware of road conditions as you drive. Look ahead for loose rocks, trees, tree limbs, gravel, sand and wildlife.
- Be alert for weather changes, unexpected rain, snow, ice and hail can make roads hazardous throughout the year.
- Explore some of the lesser used areas and roads, get away from the crowd.
- Even on a day hike, carry a current trail map and a small flashlight or a headlamp.
- Take extra water on any hike.
- Check current weather forecast before you set out on a hike.
- Wear comfortable shoes or boots that provide good ankle support.
- Dress in layers and always carry a light-weight jacket and rain gear even on sunny days.
- Don’t cross rain-swollen streams; they will recede rapidly after rain stops.
- Allow plenty of time to complete your hike before dark.
- As with any National Park or National Monument Area, “Leave No Trace”.
Cades Cove Loop Road
Posted in National Parks.
– April 27, 2009
All About Camping
Camping in Joshua Tree National Park
Camping is fun, relaxing and affordable. It is a wonderful way to spend quality time together, absorb the fresh air, unwind and enjoy nature along with all it has to offer. It is nice and relaxing to sit by a campfire and enjoy a smore or two.
Our Favorite Camping Spots:
Yosemite National Park- California
Great Smoky Mountains Park- Tennessee
Death Valley National Park- California
St. Joseph State Park- Florida
Joshua Tree National Park- California
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park- California
Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument- New Mexico
Cibola National Forest- New Mexico
Catalina Island- Off the coast of California
Camping Tips:
- Buy a large plastic box with a latching lid. Store all of your kitchen supplies in the box so when you go camping, your kitchen supplies are already packed. Replenish this box each time you come home from camping.
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Wash all vegetables before leaving home.
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If taking baked potatoes or corn on the cob; wash, butter and wrap in foil before leaving home.
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Bring plenty of ziploc bags, they are useful for leftovers and packing snacks for a day hike.
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Bring more than enough water. It will be used for drinking, cooking, washing dishes, showering and putting out your campfire.
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Do Not feed the wildlife. Store your food in the trunk of your car or hang from a tree. Never store food in your tent.
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Freeze 2 liter bottles and use these in your ice chest along with ice. They last much longer than ice packs.
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Freeze chicken breast in marinade sauce at home in freezer bags. It makes an easy meal.
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Freeze all meats or other freezable foods at home. Helps keep other foods cold longer.
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Cover pots and skillets with lids while cooking. Foods cook faster.
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Bring at least two coolers. One for food and one for drinks.
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Build your campfire away from underbrush and tree root systems. Underground fires can start.
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Before leaving your campsite, double check and recheck your campfire is out. Never leave a fire unattended.
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To remove food from a pan or skillet, cover the bottom with water and boil on campfire.
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Don’t wear shoes inside your tent. Put them in a plastic bag inside your tent to keep them dry overnight.
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If available, use existing campfire rings and campsites.
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Invest in a screened tent to cover your picnic table. It helps to keep the mosquitoes and flies away.
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Spray fire grill with cooking spray before placing on campfire. Foods won’t stick.
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To water proof your matches, dip head of each stick match about 1/3 of the way into melted candle wax. Let dry. This also keeps out moister.
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If camping in a place that allows trenching, trench a small trench around your tent. This keep water from building up underneath your tent if it rains. Don’t forget to cover it back like it was before leaving your campsite.
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Use fire proof cooking equipment and utensils.
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Restock your ice often to keep foods from spoiling.
Cibola National Forest
Posted in Camping.
– April 23, 2009
White Sands National Monument
White Sands National Monument
White Sands National Monument is located in south-central New Mexico, in the heart of the “Tularosa Basin” and is one of the world’s great natural wonders. This 275 square miles of desert is the world’s largest gypsum dune field. It ranges in elevation from 3890′ to 4116′ above sea level. 115 squares miles is located within the White Sands National Monument and the remainder is on military land that is not open to the public. A good place to start is at the visitors center. It is a Historic adobe mud brick building that was completed in 1938. It is a remarkable example of Spanish pueblo-adobe architecture. The visitors center consists of an information desk, orientation video, museum, book store, gift shop and restrooms. From the visitors center, drive the 8 mile scenic “Dunes Drive” into the heart of the dunes. Along the Dune Drive are exhibits at pullouts that provide information about the natural history of the park. Parking areas are along the drive to allow visitors to stop and walk in the white sands. Near the end of the drive there is a Nature Center as well as 3 picnic areas with shaded tables, and an elevated grill. There are also pit toilets, however there is no water.
Camping:
There are no campgrounds within White Sands National Monument. There is primitive backcountry campsites for visitors wanting to backpack into the dunes. Backcountry permits are required. There are 10 backcountry campsites that are about a one-mile hike. The campsites are primitive with no water or toilet facilities. No ground fires are permitted at the campsites, or anywhere else in the park.
Hiking Trails:
There are four trails within White Sands. They are all different and unique. You can observe heavily vegetated dunes and un-vegetated dunes, stretching for miles into beautiful vistas. Interdune boardwalk is wheelchair and stroller accessible and leads you through a fragile interdune area to a scenic view at the top of a dune.
Alkali Flat Trail
Alkali Flat Trail- 4.6 miles round trip.
Dune Life Nature Trail- 1.6 mile loop.
Interdune Boardwalk- 650 yards round trip.
Playa Trail- 500 yards round trip.
Sledding:
Sledding down the dunes is permitted and popular. Choose a dune that is away from the road, parking areas, rocks and other obstructions as well as free of vegetation.
Helpful Tips:
- Be prepared when hiking in the desert, pack plenty of water and snacks on a hike.
- Wear good walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses.
- Use sunblock to cover all areas of exposed skin.
- Before hiking, orient yourself with landmarks, such as the mountain ranges and water towers.
- Don’t hike alone, always hike with a friend.
- Consider taking a compass, it is easy to become disoriented when hiking in the dunes.
- Due to missile testing on the adjacent White Sands Missile Range, it is occasionally necessary to close the Dunes Drive for periods of up to three hours, so plan ahead.
- In the desert, temperatures can vary up to 50º between night and day. Bring appropriate clothing.
- The gypsum-surfaced portion of the dune drive can be slick when wet- drive carefully.
- Do not stop on the roadway to view the dunes, pull off the road into parking areas.
- Watch out for rattlesnakes, venomous spiders, scorpions and insects.
- Photographing the dunes is best in the morning and evening.
- As with any National Park or National Monument Area, “Leave No Trace”.
White Sands at Dusk
Posted in National Monuments.
– April 22, 2009
