2013 Map of Heart of the Sands SW

About this map

White Sands National Monument dominates this desert landscape in southern New Mexico, where the floor of the Tularosa Valley meets the eastern foothills of the San Andres Mountains. The map reveals the intricate drainage and hydrology of this arid basin, centered on the expansive Alkali Flat and the saline waters of Lake Lucero. Intermittent watercourses like Andrecito Cr flow from the western highlands toward the white gypsum dunes of White Sands, illustrating the internal drainage patterns typical of this region. Restricted access roads, including WSMR S Route 289 and WSMR P Route 10, point to the area's ongoing use for military testing and government research within the White Sands Missile Range, providing a detailed look at the interface between protected natural wonders and strategic national infrastructure.