Lake Lucero Tours at White Sands National Park Photo

Lake Lucero Tours at White Sands National Park

Dec 14, 2024, 10am - 1pm
White Sands National Park
19955 Highway 70 West
Alamogordo, NM 88310

Want an understanding of how the white sands were formed? Take a ranger guided tour to Lake Lucero and learn all about the sand formations, and even the special plants and animals that live in and around the dunes. This three hour ranger guided tour takes you to the playa (dry lakebed) of Lake Lucero. Reservations are required. A special use fee is charged for this tour: $8 per person ages 16 and older, $4 for children 15 and under. Park entrance fees are not charged for the Lake Lucero program. Park entrance fees will only apply if you choose to enter the park along Dunes Drive. Federal recreation passes do not apply for this special tour.

Tickets are available two months before the tour and tour fees will be charged by recreation.gov.

Note: this is a moderate 1.5 mile round trip hike through an arroyo and is not a maintained trail. The hike to the shore is 3/4 of a mile over rough terrain and loose soil. This hike is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for those that are mobility impaired. Friendly and LEASHED pets are welcome. 

The tour will begin at the Small Missile Range Gate intersection with US Highway 70, 25 miles west of White Sands National Park headquarters, between mile posts 174 and 175. The trip will return to the Small Missile Range Gate three hours after the start time. You'll caravan from the gate to the trailhead.

Cameras are welcome on the tour but may NOT be used until arrival at the trailhead and are inside the gate on monument land.

You'll caravan in your own car from the gate to the trailhead (17.5 miles one way or 35 miles roundtrip). Have a full tank of gas before leaving home and a spare tire in case of a flat.

No sandals are open toed shoes. Closed toe shoes such as hiking boots or stout walking shoes are required. The tour is three hours long, two of which will be outside. Bring snacks, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for everyone in your group. Dress according to weather needs.

Be sure you have at least a gallon of water per person, or you'll not be allowed to attend the tour. Water is essential!! Rangers will NOT have extra water to give to visitors on the tour.

No concealed weapons are allowed on tour per missile range rules.

Dec 14