Without a doubt, the best time to see White Sands National Monument is at sundown.  The San Andres Mountains make the perfect backdrop as the final sunlight of the day sets the dunes aglow. 

View a higher resolution copy here - White Sands National Monument, San Andres Mountains

Is springtime full of sleet, snow or other unseemly weather in your area?  Then pack your bags and/or trailer for southern New Mexico, because as I just discovered, late March and early April can be a very nice time in the "land of enchantment". 

You might encounter a passing thunderstorm or two, but most of the time you can expect sunshine, light wind and daytime temperatures in the high 50s and 60s.  Note that this strictly applies to the southern areas of the state, south of Albuquerque.  Visiting the northern areas and higher elevations of the state at this time, you are likely to encounter cold temperatures, snow and wind.  So for the best weather, stay south and down out of the higher mountains.

Following are a few areas and attractions that should not be missed during a trip through southern New Mexico.

White Sands National Monument

Just west of Alamogordo on Route 70, you will come across a sea of bleach-white sand dunes.  And since 1933, those gypsum dunes have been set aside as White Sands National Monument.  The park is open all day, but the best time to enter the dunes drive and hike the 4.5 mile dunes loop is in the late afternoon.  You will be treated to deep blue skies and a stunning 360 degree view of the dunes.  Stick around for sunset, as the white sand will look its best in the final rays of the day.

There is no overnight camping in White Sands National Monument.  However, there are a few RV parks around Alamogordo.  The nearest state campground is a twenty minute drive to the other side of the city in Oliver Lee State Park.  Oliver Lee offers standard amenities for trailers, and there is a nice hike in nearby Dog Canyon.

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