Alamogordo

On our touring holiday of Arizona and New Mexico, we are thinking of driving from Mesilla to White Sands National Park (we have some long drives before and after.

Then going up to Alamogordo and booking into a hotel during the late afternoon before going back to White Sands again early evening to see the sunset (hopefully). Tripadvisor reviews seem to give the Motel 6 a good write up for a cheap motel and we need to economise some nights!!

I would be interested to hear whether people think Motel 6 is a good option for a cheapish night (or should we consider something else).

I%26#39;d also be grateful for any tips on where to see the best sunsets in the park.

Alamogordo

Motel 6 is strictly an economy chain. Sad to say, some of the properties are not well taken care of. I don%26#39;t know the status of the one in Alamogordo. It is one of the older properties. If it has recently been renovated, it should be fairly nice. Just remember, it%26#39;s a no frills motel; no shampoo, hair dryer, just beds, a bathroom with shower, TV and dresser. Prices are good, though.

Anyplace in White Sands, or for that matter in New Mexico can produce gorgeous sunsets. It depends on clouds being in the western sky to give you dozens of different colors. They can be spectacular.

Alamogordo

Wadewade:

I%26#39;ve stayed at that particular Motel 6 in Alamogordo at least five times, and always found to be well maintained for an ';Economy'; place. I only had problems once, and that was with some disturbing people in the next room. Or, ';disturbed'; people would be more accurate.

Ask for a room on the east side (the west side rooms will be hot from the sun that time of year), plus you get to have a nice sunrise coming up over the Sacramento Mountains in the morning.

As Sandiaman says, some Motel 6%26#39;s are great, economy stays...and some have become pretty run down.

The drive into White Sands National Monument begins paved at the Visitor%26#39;s Center, beside the highway, but then turns into sand rather soon afterwards. This sand is packed down as hard as concrete, so you don%26#39;t have to worry about getting stuck in sand. Do...however, keep your car parked in pull-offs that are obviously well packed, because there is always some new sand (Gypsum) being blown about by the winds.

The road leads to a large central area, and then you must turn around and return the same way. For a sunset, pick a large dune, west of the ';large area'; and enjoy the sunset. Do not (especially in hot afternoons) waunder too many dunes away from your car, as you can easily get turned around with so many dunes, 30-50 feet tall in spots. Also, you must bring your own water (a true must!), and dark sunglasses. You%26#39;ll enjoy it. A very unique spot.

I think I%26#39;ve said before that it is a great picnic area also, and you can buy supplies in Alamogordo. Cheers!