white sands missile range

costcoguy

The museum is nothing special but had a couple of good exhibits. The missile gallery outside is a let down. This complex does not come close to Cape Canaveral, FL

PatB630

For over 18 years we have brought guests to explore the worlds largest gypsum dunefield located at White Sands National Monument. Do not just drive the loop! Please get out of your car! Speak to the very knowledgeable park rangers. There are trails for all fitness levels and by exploring them you are able to really get the feel of this amazing place.The parks hours change throughout the year so please check their website.

readytoretirecalgary

We went here in the middle of the day and drove the loop tour. It was ok but we were underwhelmed.They have a sunset tour and we heard they do a tour on full moon nights. Both of these might be worth taking in if you can arrange the time.

SE_MN_warmth_seekers

I've had multiple visits to Cape Canaveral (KSC), Houston MSC plus other major air museums like WDC Air & Space, Dayton AF, and TUC Pima so I'm a bit jaded. I always wanted to see where it all started in the 40s: the first major US rocket launches to space. Well the museum is just "ok", really basic, needs to serious refurbing. Not their fault but the day we visited there was a 50 mph gale so we could barely tour the rocket park but compared to others mentioned is was just OK. This is in an active base so if you have a rental car you'll probably need to park and walk 3 blocks in, no big deal on a nice day but if windy or pouring rain that's inconvenient. Still worth a stop. Oh BTW, the GPS thought we were there about 12 miles away, follow the signs as it's quite a bit further SE than the maps and GPS think it is AND IT CLOSES at 3pm on a SAT!!!

JBMyers

It was a beautiful and stark place. The hiking was easier than one would think for basically being sand dunes. We took the sunset walk with one of the Park Rangers. We were given very interesting information on the plants and animals in the Monument. If you have kids, they can slide on the dunes with sleds like it was snow.

Hsphoser36

You can take a short cut to get to White Sands National Monument if you're coming from El Paso, TX, and have military ID / authorized access to the installation as the main road routes right through post. It saved us several minutes and there were not many other cars out on the road to compete with - but beware of small rabbits that try to cross the road right as you approach.

coloradofcn

Enjoyed touring this small but filled museum. Items are good to see from a time ago. Boy scouts were in the museum at the same time and they seemed to enjoy looking at old artifacts. On the grounds are different missiles and rockets propped up and on display.

mesatraveler

The drive from Las Cruces to White Sands takes about anhour and it's worth every minute. The missile site is notalways open (check schedule) but driving along Rte 70gives you a great view of the entire range and the tracking stations. The White Sands National Monument allowsvisitors to drive through the dune area and there isan excellent boardwalk which explains the vegetationand wildlife and the ongoing shaping of the dunes.

JimOB1

you get the full understanding of national security and the scope and breadth of the nations defense.

bseashore

While visiting in the area, we took a tour of White Sands Monument - which is a national park. The visitors center is undergoing some updating and looks amazing. Built in 1933, the year it opened, it is a piece of unique history in itself. The tour began with a wonderful video that is a must see to get a grasp of the special one-of-a-kind place it is in the world. 275 square miles of gypsum that looks exactly like snow. There is an 8 mile road tour with a picnic grounds and rest area facilities. The gift shop sells dish type sleds for the youth who would enjoy "sledding" down the dunes. We noticed a ranger led sunset tour and returned to go on this wonderful one hour chat about the area. The volunteer (Ed) was informative and helpful in learning more about this national treasure. As the sun set behind the mountains, the dunes changed moment by moment. It really is something that should be experienced and enjoyed.

608lewisk

The White Sands monument is separate from Trinity Site and White Sands Missile range! Trinity Site is only open to the public one day a year if I recall? The White Sands Missile range Grounds and Museum open year around whereas the actual military installation is not open to the public and is active.That being said....For tourism, geology, history and uniqueness White Sands Monument can be enjoyed by auto, bicycle or walking! Can be merely a drive through; yet is inviting to get out and climb the sand dunes, picnic, walk, sunbathe, different photo shots, free Moonlight strolls on schedule, stargazing, pet friendly and downright enjoying something totally different! Due to white sand reflecting the bright sunshine, clear blue skies and elevation ....sunburn comes quicker than normal! Be prepared! Also is NOT OPEN year around....check website for hours and months open to public!Website is www.nps.gov.whsa or call 575-479-6124. Lodging and meals available nearby in Alamagordo and Las Cruces, NM

Mooney_231

It continues to amaze us that we can visit places that are so absolutely amazing yet get so little attention.The White Sands National Monument has an excellent visitors center, informed and helpful staff, and good facilities. Most of the visitors the day we were there seemed to be families with kids who wanted to sled the sand dunes, but there is so much more history, biology, and geology to absorb. With a permit you can even camp in the dunes or bring your horses. This really shoudl get more press and attention than it apparently does.

Travellinglight111

We found this as we travelled back to El Paso from Silver City. Being from Canada, this is not something we normally see. We did not stop but just saw it from the highway.

E8363CRamandaw

Went to the monument and everyone failed to mention that had we driven a bit further we actually would have seen the "white sands". People were not friendly at the monument either.

TravellingDoc29

long walk to the outdoor musseum for elderly and those with ambulatory handicaps. It shows missiles that were developed in the '40s and the evolution to present-day missles.