Chihuahuan Desert Walk, White Sands Missile Range, NM
N 32° 23.106 W 106° 28.665
13S E 360998 N 3584082
This interesting self guides walk is located in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Waymark Code: WMD1NF
Location: New Mexico, United States
Date Posted: 11/06/2011
Views: 4
The main sign reads:
"Chihuahuan Desert Walk
Welcome!
You are standing at the gateway to the White Sands Missile Range Museum Desert Walk. The Range is the largest overland Department of Army testing facility in the United States. The area of land managed by the Range is considered one of the healthiest ecological landscapes in the northern Chihuahuan desert. Follow the path to discover the Chihuahuan landscape that the Range enjoys and protects.
Desert Environment
This desert walk is located at 4250 feet above sea level. Here temperatures range from an average high of 92 degrees F to an average low of 36 degrees F in the winter. Rainfall is about 11 inches per year.
The many plants and animals of the desert are adapted to sunny, hot, dry conditions. For example, a black-tailed rabbit has big ears to shed heat, and a light colored body to reflect the sun's rays. It also stays out of the sun durint the heat of the day and forages at night. Cacti such as prickly pears have thick skins to reduce water loss and spines to protect against grazing.
Desert Cultures
This desert has been home to many different people, beginning with the Paleo-Indians 11,000 years ago. These people were followed by archaic hunters and gatherers, Jornada Mogolon, Apache, Spanish, Mexican immigrants, and Euro-Americans. These cultures all adapted to the desert, relying on its resources for their existence.
North American Deserts.
Deserts are charaterized by a scarity of water and extreme temperatures. There are four unique deserts in North America. The Sonoran is the warmest (on average) and home of the suguaro cactus. The Great Basin receives snow in winter and is dominated by low shrubs such as sagebrush. The Mojave is considered the "high desert" and is known for its extreme temperatures and Joshua trees. The Chihuahuan, more diverse than some forests, is one of the world's richest deserts, containing 1/5 of the world's cacti."
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The walk is located near the White Sands Missile Range Museum (park in their parking lot), and is fenced to protect the walking area from most wildlife. There is a short walk with numerous interpretive signs and labels on the plants and shrubs.
A prominent sign warns about rattlesnakes!
Fee?: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Approximate Time to Finish: 1/2 hour
Addtional Website URL: [Web Link]
Brochure or Interpretive Signs: Interpretive Plaques/Signs
Rate the Walk: 
Wherigo Cartridge: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
A picture at the start of the Trail or Walk is greatly appreciated. Additional photos taken during the course of the walk would also be of great benefit.
If there does not appear to be a defined beginning to the trail or walk, pick a logical place (e.g. close to parking) or where information about the walk or trail can be gathered.