Guided Tour of Lake Lucero, New Mexico

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Have you ever wondered how the white sands formed and why Lake Lucero is often referred to as the birthplace of the dunes? Take a tour to Lake Lucero with a ranger and learn about the formation of the sands. Rangers will share the geologic story of White Sands National Monument as you traverse a steep gully down to the lake bed and walk by thousands of exposed selenite crystals, which are critical to the formation of the gypsum sand. Lake Lucero is a dry lake bed that only fills with water when there has been abundant rain or snow in the surrounding area. See schedule to confirm dates. Where: The Lake Lucero tour begins 25 miles (40.23 km) southwest of the monument at the Small Missile Range Gate, located on Hwy 70 West between mile markers 174 and 175. The taking of pictures and/or video recordings of any kind is prohibited on White Sands Missile Range property. Once at the trailhead and on monument property, the ranger will notify you when you may begin taking photos or videos. Per missile range rules, concealed carry weapons are NOT allowed on the tour. You will caravan in your own car from the gate to the trailhead 17.5 miles (27.36 km) one-way or 35 miles (56.33 km) roundtrip. It is necessary to have a sufficient amount of fuel and a spare tire in case of a flat.No services are available, and cell phone reception is poor. Tour check-in begins 40-minutes before program start time at the Small Missile Range Gate. The caravan will leave promptly at the stated tour start time. If you arrive after the caravan has left, you will not be able to join the tour. Cost: A special program fee of $8 per person ages 16 and older and $4 per child ages 15 and younger apply. Federal passes such as the America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, and Access passes apply only to the entrance fees and not to the special program fee. Monument entrance fees are not charged for the Lake Lucero program. Monument entrances fees will apply If you choose to enter the monument along Dunes Drive. Reservations: Reservations are required for this program and must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling (1-877-444-6777). You can make reservations up to 30 days in advance of the program. Tour fees apply and will be charged by recreation.gov.Refunds will not be granted within 24 hours of the beginning of the program. Cancellations cannot be processed by monument staff. Program length: Three hours Safety Information: No sandals or open-toe shoes are allowed. 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 accordingly for the weather. Long sleeves and long pants are highly recommended even on warm days to protect your skin from the sun. A minimum of one gallon of water per person is strongly recommended.Dehydration and heat exhaustion can set-in incredibly fast, especially in the summer when temperatures can soar well above 100°F (38°C). You do not have to carry the entire gallon on the hike, but it is strongly recommended that you have at least two liters per person while walking to the lakebed. Rangers will NOT have extra water. Please be prepared for your tour. The taking of pictures and/or video recordings of any kind is prohibited on White Sands Missile Range property. Once at the trailhead and on monument property, the ranger will notify you when you may begin taking photos or videos. Per missile range rules, concealed carry weapons are NOT allowed on the tour.Download a PDF of the safety information in English or Spanish.

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