2013 Map of Heart of the Sands NW

About this map

White Sands dominates the northeastern corner of this high-desert landscape, where the shifting gypsum dunes meet the expansive Tularosa Valley. This 2013 survey illustrates the stark geography of the northern Chihuahuan Desert, defined by its massive salt basins and specialized military access. The southeastern terrain is marked by the Alkali Flat, a remnant of the ancient Lake Otero, which provides a level, mineral-crusted surface between the mountain ranges. Human presence is sparse and primarily infrastructure-based, centered on WSMR P Route 7, reflecting the area's role within the White Sands Missile Range. The map also delineates the administrative intersection of three counties, showing where the boundaries of Sierra, Doña Ana, and Otero meet amidst the sagebrush and salt flats.