While trying to stay out of the early season rains during our May 2015 visit to White Sands National Monument, we walked the 1000 foot Interdune Boardwalk to enjoy the views and learn about the plants native to the monument. The boardwalk is accessible to all visitors with composite decking and sturdy handrails. A pavilion with bench seats is located about halfway along the boardwalk. The interdune area is a transition zone between the larger, shifting dunes and the rest of the Tularosa Basin. Numerous plants tend to slow the movement of the dunes in this area compared to the heart of the dunes near the loop area of Dunes Drive. The boardwalk is located about 4.5 miles from the visitor center. Although Dunes Drive is paved at this point, the parking area is hard-packed gypsum sand. While there is no water available beyond the visitor center, a vault toilet is located at the parking area. For visitors without much time or the stamina to walk across the dunes, this is an excellent stop along Dunes Drive to view the landscape and learn about the area.
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| Hopefully the rain on the horizon will hold off while we walk |
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| Roadside sign |
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| Beginning of boardwalk |
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| Sand Verbena |
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| Rubber Rabbitbrush |
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| View from the boardwalk |
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| Plants help stabilize the interdune areas |
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| Soaptree Yucca |
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| The boardwalk ends with a large viewing platform |
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| A viewing bench with space for a wheelchair |
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| Covered seating area for Ranger Talks |
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| Looking back at the covered seating area |
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| View from the end of the boardwalk |
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| Alkali Sacaton |
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| Most plants grow on the floor of the dunefield with only a few on the dunes |
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| A Skunkbush Sumac pedestal |
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| Looking back toward the parking area from the end of the boardwalk |
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| The previous band of showers has moved out of the area |
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| Another band of showers is heading toward us |
An entrance fee of $3 per person is required to enter the dunes. The fee is valid for seven days. Other options include a White Sands National Monument Annual Pass for $20, an Interagency Annual Pass providing access to most national park, national forest and BLM fee areas for $80 and a lifetime Interagency Senior Pass for those age 62 and older for $10. Special events such as Lake Lucero tours, full moon bike rides and full moon hikes require reservations and additional fees of $8 per person.
The park website is http://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm.
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