Posted in New Mexico April 13, 2020 by

Most People Don’t Know Ice Age Fossils Are Hiding At White Sands National Park In New Mexico

There are plenty of reasons New Mexico has earned its nickname as the Land of Enchantment. It is home to beautiful views, incredible trails, mouthwatering food, and exceptionally rich history.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
When hiking through White Sands National Park, you might expect to find footprints of people and animals trailing through the glistening white sand from earlier in the day.
Sarah Nichols/Flickr
But did you know some footprints found at the park are much, much older?
Most people don't realize that White Sands National Park is home to incredible fossils, some dating back to the Ice Age.
National Park Service/Wikimedia Commons
Fossilized footprints are scattered around the park, some from giant sloths (like the one pictured above), dire wolves, and even our ancestors.
Thousands of years ago, the now arid park was a massive lake surrounded by lush greenery.
National Park Service/Wikimedia Commons
Dark spots found around the former lakebed were dug up and determined to be the footprints of human hunters tracking down giant sloths and mammoths, as well as the ancient footprints of these massive creatures. In some instances, you can even see the faint outline of toes.
Scientists dated these footprints to more than 10,000 years ago.
White Sands National Park/Facebook
Other relics found in the area include seeds (determined to be over 18,000 years old), stone flakes from tools, and fossilized bones of ancient animals.
What other incredible finds have you stumbled across when visiting White Sands?
Angi English/Flickr
White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico, just 52 miles northeast of Las Cruces via Route 70.
Google Maps

For details about visiting the park, seeing the fossils and other incredible sights, visit the National Park Service website or the park’s Facebook page.

Website: National Park Service
Facebook: White Sands National Park
Phone: 575-479-6124

Want to see another spot where you can find impressive fossils in New Mexico? Read A Trip To This Fossil Park In New Mexico Is An Adventure Like No Other to learn more about Clayton Lake State Park.

Address: New Mexico, USA