Lake Lucero

lake, New Mexico, United States

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July 16, 2026

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Lake Lucero is a playa, or dry marsh, located in the southwestern corner of White Sands National Park in New Mexico. This area is characterized by dazzling white gypsum sands, formed from the decomposition of limestone. The evaporation of gypsum-laden runoff water creates selenite crystals that encrust the lakebed. The surrounding Alkali Flat area is similarly formed by underground water surfacing. Due to the arid environment, plant life is scarce, and the animals, such as mice and lizards, are typically light-colored to blend with the sandy surroundings.1

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White Sands National Park
…corner of the park is Lake Lucero, a usually dry marsh (playa) encrusted with selenite crystals created by the evaporation of gypsum-laden runoff water. The gypsum is the product of decomposed limestone, which is the predominant rock type of the surrounding region. The extensive Alkali Flat area, to the north…
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…corner of the park is Lake Lucero, a usually dry marsh (playa) encrusted with selenite crystals created by the evaporation of gypsum-laden runoff water. The gypsum is the product of decomposed limestone, which is the predominant rock type of the surrounding region. The extensive Alkali Flat area, to the north…
Read More