Sunset Stroll - White Sands National Monument

Sunset Stroll Nature Walks are one-hour ranger-led strolls through the dunes. The walks are conducted every evening and start at a signed pullout on Dunes Drive about five miles from the visitor center. The less than a mile walk is considered easy, but it is not wheelchair or scooter accessible. The stroll is timed to end atop a dune in time for sunset photography. Ranger Carmen was our guide for the walk. Although it was raining nearby, she informed the small group of visitors that she would conduct the walk in the rain, unless there was lightning within 20 miles. As we walked, Ranger Carmen explained the geology of the dunes and the Tularosa Basin, pointed out various plants and even pointed out a stink bug walking on the dunes. She had a number of exhibits and photographs that she passed around to the group. We were about 15 to 20 minutes into the walk when the alarm on her lightning detector came on. Ranger Carmen immediately asked us to proceed back to our vehicles and to get in them. She apologized for the cancellation, but noted that it was for our and her safety. Although it took us less than five minutes to walk back, the first sprinkles of rain reached the ground before we reached the vehicles. She also noted that while we were free to stay in the park, we should stay in our vehicles until 30 minutes after we last heard thunder. As we had already planned to see the sunset from the dunes, we decided to wait.

While waiting to begin the walk, a storm passed to our south

Rain, sunbeams and the San Andres Mountains - part 1

Rain, sunbeams and the San Andres Mountains - part 2

Rain, sunbeams and the San Andres Mountains - part 3

Another storm in the distance

Clearing skies to the east...

...still raining to the west

Soaptree Yucca

Sand Verbena

Yucca, rabbitbush and the Sacramento Mountains

Waiting out the rain after the stroll was cancelled

The sun finally peaks through

Rain turns the white sand to a beige shade

Looking east at yuccas under clearing skies

Stormy weather persists to the south...

...before the rain finally tapers off

Sunbeams to the west

At first, rain from another storm to our south didn't reach the ground near Twin Buttes...

...but it quickly did just moments later

The clouds break up over the San Andres Mountains

Raindrops on ripples

As quickly as it turned beige, the sand dries and turns white again

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.