The Sacramento Mountain range is the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountain chain within the boundary of the United States, and as such is not subject to the drastically cold temperatures of the upper ranges. The area's climate is more moderate than other desert areas because of its high elevation and proximity to the mountain range, which provides shelter from the wind's cold as well as cooling rain showers in summer's heat. With elevations ranging from 4,300 feet to 9,000 feet, the county has an ideal climate of warm days and cool nights. There are 350 days of sunshine each year. Winter days stay comfortable with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. The basin averages 15 inches of precipitation per year, and 315 days are precipitation free. The months of July - August get approximately 6 inches of moisture, while the mountain areas average 32 inches of precipitation and 92 inches of snow.

     At the northern end of the Chihuahua Desert lies a mountain-ringed valley known as the Tularosa Basin.  Rising from the heart of this basin is one of the world's great natural wonders -- the glistening white sands of New Mexico.  White Sands is New Mexico's number one National Monument attraction.  Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum cover nearly 300 square miles of desert.  The dunes are ever changing, growing, cresting, then slumping, but always advancing.  Slowly, relentlessly, the sand covers all. White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of the world's largest gypsum dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this harsh environment.  The Monument is located on U. S. Highway 70, fifteen miles west of Alamogordo. 
     Open daily except Christmas.  505-479-6124

     Formerly known as the Space Center and International Space Hall of Fame, this facility operates as a part of the New Mexico Office of Cultural Affairs and was opened in 1976.  This attraction is the third most visited museum in New Mexico.  The neighboring Clyde W. Tombaugh Space Theater is outfitted with a 40-foot wrap-around OMNIMAX screen and audio system.  Visitors tour a model 2001 space station.  Also, adjacent to the complex is the John P. Stapp Air and Space Park with a collection of historic space items such as the Sonic Wind I rocket sled.  The Space Center is just off Highway 54 in Alamogordo.

     Alameda Park & Zoo is the oldest zoo in the Southwest.  It was established in 1898 by the railroad.  The zoo contains about 300 animals of 90 different species.  The zoo area has a playground area and shaded picnic tables that are included in the entry fee.
     Hours 9 am to 5 pm every day except Christmas & New Years Day. 505-439-4290

     Desert Lakes Golf Course is a true “desert” beauty with the Sacramento Mountains in the background.  This is quickly emerging as one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in southern New Mexico.  It recently was renovated to make it a more challenging and beautiful course.  After a round or two, relax in the lounge and restaurant and enjoy the people and scenery.

     Tularosa Basin Historical Museum is adjacent to the Alameda Park & Zoo.  Large display of articles and photos of the history and early days of the area.  OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Admission is FREE! Doors are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. 505-434-4438

     The Toy Train Depot has a small-scale train ride departing every 30 minutes from the depot, circling Alameda Park.  Hundreds of model train and toy trains are on display inside the 100-year-old depot, including a 1,000 square foot HO layout depicting Alamogordo in the 1940’s.  The Toy Train Depot houses the smallest scaled working train in the world. 
     Hours are noon to 5 pm Wednesday through Sunday. 505-437-2855

     Alamogordo is also the home of the Flickinger Center for the Performing Arts, Alamogordo Music Theater, Alamogordo Community Theater and the Community Center series.