Getting There -- From Albuquerque, take I-25 south 87 miles to San Antonio; turn east on US 380, go 66 miles to Carrizozo; then turn south on US 54 for 58 miles (4 hr.). From Las Cruces, take US 70 northeast (1 1/2 hr.). (Note that US 70 may be closed for up to 2 hr. during tests on White Sands Missile Range.) From El Paso, take US 54 north (1 1/2 hr.).

The nearest major airport is El Paso International. The local airport, Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport (tel. 505/439-4110) does not offer commercial service.

Visitor Information -- The Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce and visitor center is at 1301 N. White Sands Blvd., Alamogordo, NM 88311 (tel. 800/826-0294 or 505/437-6120).

City Layout -- Alamogordo is on the eastern edge of the Tularosa Valley, at the foot of the Sacramento Mountains. US 54 (White Sands Blvd.) is the main street, extending several miles north and south. The downtown district is actually a few blocks east of White Sands Boulevard, off 10th Street.