White sands NM UPDATE

[John316]

Has anybody been to white sands, in their bus, before? We are going to be able to be there on Monday for a brief visit. My question is, how will the bus do on the sand? What are the roads or "tracks" like? Will we get stuck?

Any other tips or suggestions?

God bless,

John

[Rick 74 MC-8]

John
         We were there in 2005 the sand is so hard packed you cant tell there isn't not concrete under it.
         The place is awesome we loved it. Stop at the front and rent a saucer sled


                                                                                     Rick 74 MC-8

[Jaime]

I took my coach in and had no problem. I don't think it is actually sand I think it is gypsum and pretty solid to drive on. we really enjoyed it.

[Jaime]

My wife wanted to add take a camera for sunset exquisite.

[Sean]

We were also there in 2005.  Scroll down to the middle of this archive to see the photos:
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com/2005_06_01_archive.html

The park road is paved for a good ways..  Parts are often covered with drifting sand, but there is pavement underneath -- you are not going to sink in.
http://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/upload/Dunes%20Drive.html

After the paved portion ends, the remainder is hard pack.  We had no trouble doing the whole loop.  Pay attention to the "soft shoulder" area marked on the map and road side and stay on the main road.  The parking areas around the picnic grounds are also well packed.

There is no campground in the park, only a picnic area.  Campground information:
http://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/area-camping.htm

Figure a good hour to do the whole drive, more if you stop to picnic or whatever.

HTH,

-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com

[Rick 74 MC-8]

Pic

[Rick 74 MC-8]

Just learned how to re size
Rember the sleds laundry baskets don't work.
Don't ask how I know

                                                     Rick 74 MC-8

[John316]

Thanks a lot for the info, guys.

Looks like we will make a go of it.

God bless,

John

[John316]

We made it, gents. It was worth it! We arrived, bought saucers, and headed back. The dunes were frozen, because of the snow and thaw, and refreezes that they have had. That made sledding a very mixed bag. You went the fastest you are just about able too, because the dunes were covered in ice. BUT it was also very hard.

We had a great time, and sledded for about 3.5 hours solid. We used a bunch of different slopes, but liked the ice covered ones best. They were INCREDIBLY FAST.

And for those of you who are wondering....Yes I am sore....Yes I will get even more sore...and no, I do not have the ambulance lined up for tomorrow . And yes, I am very fit.

God bless,

John