2013 Map of Lake Lucero

About this map

Lake Lucero dominates this desert basin where the gypsum-rich flats of White Sands meet the eastern slopes of the San Andres Mountains. This 2013 survey illustrates the stark hydrology of the Tularosa Valley, showing how seasonal drainage through Ash Canyon and Little San Nicholas Canyon feeds the ephemeral lakebed. The map highlights the sprawling boundary of White Sands National Monument, which encompasses much of the playa and its surrounding dune fields. Restricted access is noted by the presence of WSMR S Route 287, reflecting the area's ongoing significance for military testing. The rugged transition between high mountain peaks and the low-lying alkali flats creates a distinct landscape where geological processes and federal land management intersect along the Doña Ana and Otero County line.