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Holloman AFB · Southeast NM

Holloman Air Force Base is a U.S. Air Force installation established in 1942 in the Tularosa Basin of southeastern New Mexico, adjacent to White Sands National Park and six miles southwest of Alamogordo.

Tribal land — observe protocols

Overview

Holloman Air Force Base sits at 4,093 feet elevation in Otero County, sharing a boundary with White Sands National Park. The base has served as a key site for aerospace testing and training since World War II.

Things to Do

Explore White Sands National Park with its gypsum dunes via the Dune Life Nature Trail or ranger-led programs. Join one of the Moonlight Hikes or Lake Lucero Tours offered in the area for evening adventures under the high-desert sky. The Red Sands Off-Highway Vehicle Area offers camping options nearby.

Getting There

The base lies along U.S. Route 70, about 10 miles west of Alamogordo and 90 miles north of El Paso, Texas.

Best Time to Visit

Clear skies and mild temperatures make spring and fall ideal for outdoor activities at the dunes. Summers bring monsoon storms while winters offer crisp days averaging around 60°F.

Frequently asked

What is Holloman AFB known for?

It is a major Air Force base focused on testing and training, established in 1942 and located next to White Sands National Park.

Can visitors access White Sands National Park from Holloman AFB?

Yes, the park shares a boundary with the base and offers tours including Lake Lucero and moonlight hikes.

Upcoming events in Holloman AFB

Saturday, June 13

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Outdoor activities near Holloman AFB

  • Place · Southeast NM

    White Sands National Park

    The world's largest gypsum dunefield — 275 square miles of white sand, sunset strolls, and ranger-led full-moon nights near Alamogordo.

    National-Park
  • Trail · Southeast NM

    White Sands National Park

    The world's largest gypsum dunefield — 275 square miles of glistening white sand in the Tularosa Basin. Hike the Alkali Flat or Dune Life Nature trails; the park periodically closes for White Sands Missile Range operations.

    Fee
  • Campsite · Southeast NM

    Red Sands Off-Highway Vehicle Area

    Primarily mesquite coppice dunes with over 100 miles of user-developed trails. Utilized for organized motorcycle races; cross-country travel allowed.

Sources & verification

Every fact below was independently verified against the cited source.

  • Holloman Air Force Base established in 1942 en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
  • Elevation 4,093 feet en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
  • Located six miles southwest of Alamogordo en.wikipedia.org · verified June 12, 2026
  • Shares boundary with White Sands National Park nps.gov · verified June 12, 2026
  • Mailing address PO Box 1086 Holloman AFB NM 88330 nps.gov · verified June 12, 2026

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