Posted by Ed Baile on November 19, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I have been contemplating a trip to white Sands and would appreciate some feedback as to the best times of year to go and access for sunrise and sunset. Thanks.
Posted by Nat Coalson on November 19, 2008 at 1:04 PM
I think the best time for White Sands is winter with a full moon - January 10 would be exceptional and I'm hoping to be there myself!
Beginning late-Feb/early March the winds are very strong; not a good time to go.
In summer the weather can either be calm or dramatic; but it's very hot.
Posted by Erik Aagaard on November 19, 2008 at 1:06 PM
As I recall, they used to keep strict 8-5 hours. Which means that unless you camp out overnight, you're waiting at the gate at 8:00, willing the sun to stop rising so fast; and you're dragging your feet as the rangers herd you back to the parking area in the evening. It's been several years - that may have changed. Because of this, I used to try to time my trips as close to the winter solstice as possible. Also, there are fewer people (and footrprints) around that time of year. It gets awful darn cold in the predawn, so dress appropriately.
hours are 7 AM until sunset. If you arrive at the solstice, you might have 20 minutes or so before first light, not really enough time to get into position to shoot the glow. The only real answer is the backcountry camping. Remember, WS is also a missile range. The park is closed during launches, so CALL AHEAD to see if the park will open during your projected stay.
The summer is really the best time photographically, but very hot, as mentioned...
Discussion
3 repliesBeginning late-Feb/early March the winds are very strong; not a good time to go.
In summer the weather can either be calm or dramatic; but it's very hot.
Erik
The summer is really the best time photographically, but very hot, as mentioned...