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largest solar observatories in the
world, with a visitor and learning
center focusing on solar activity
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Pistachio Farm, a family owned and
o rat
in
that off r r
tours of its facility and operations
plant. There’s also the International
Space Hall of Fame, the Tombaugh
Omnimax Space Theater and
Planetarium, the Astronaut Memorial
Garden, Air and Space Park and a
Shuttle Camp – all features of the
city’s well-known Space Center.
A highlight of any stay in the
Cloudcroft area is a trip to White
Sands National Monument, one of
the world’s great natural wonders.
Massive wave-like dunes of gypsum
sand cover nearly 300 square miles
of desert, creating the largest
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on th
an t
The brilliant white dunes are ever
changing. They grow, crest, then
slump, but always advance. Slowly,
but relentlessly, the sand, with the
help of strong southwest winds,
covers everything in its path. Only
a few species of plants have
adapted successfully to the harsh
environmental conditions. They are
able to survive by growing rapidly
in or r to n off ria y th
moving dunes, while the small
animals in existence have evolved
hit o oration to amo a
them in the gypsum sand.
Most visitors to White Sands stop at
the historic adobe visitor center to
get their bearings. There is a good
ori ntation m a on
ith
ra
You can also purchase a disc sled in
the gift shop if you plan on sliding
down the dunes. Make sure you also
get some wax to help make your
nt a i r Th
n
ri
leads from the visitor center eight
miles into the heart of the dunes.
Wayside exhibits interpret the
geology and natural history of the
sands. Make sure to get out of your
car and hike one of the several
marked trails to explore the dunes
on foot. You also have the option of
taking a ranger-led walk. And if
you’ve timed your visit during a full
moon, you’ll be able to participate in
a variety of special programs,
including full moon hikes and bike
rides through the monument
(registration necessary), along with
opportunities to listen to live music
while you sit back and enjoy the
unique beauty of this magical
environment.
If you go
www.TheLodgeResort.com
www.cloudcroft.com
hit an
ationa on m nt
www.nps.gov/whsa
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