Est. 2019 | New Mexico | 146,344 acres

In the heart of New Mexico lies the world’s largest deposit of gypsum sand dunes, White Sands National Park. Hike an almost barren landscape of abstract shape and shadow, a testament to millennia of wind and water erosion. In this unique ecosystem visitors explore scenic trails, witness breathtaking sunsets and enjoy dune activities like sledding or horseback riding. The park is also home to curious wildlife like the bleached earless lizard and Apache pocket mouse known for their white coloring not found among other populations of the same species.

Located north of Highway 70 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces, New Mexico, White Sands National Park is a product of water drainage from the western San Andres Mountains and prevailing southerly winds. This mighty dunefield has a single road, Dunes Drive, only 8 miles long penetrating the interior. Paved for just the first 4 miles, the rest of the road is hard-packed gypsum sand, easily drivable for any vehicle. As the only entry point for the park, this road holds access points for the visitor center, all the trails and picnic grounds.

The park does not encompass the entire dunefield. In fact, White Sands National Park encompasses only about 41% of the entire White Sands Dune Field. The remaining 59% of the dune field is located outside the park, primarily on White Sands Missile Range, a restricted military area surrounding the entirety of the park. As a fully operational military missile test site, White Sand Missile Range is known to close the park a couple times each week for missile launches. These closures are usually projected well in advance and only last several hours. Check the official park website for current closure status and projections.

Must-see highlights in White Sands

1. Dune Life Nature Trail—This short 1-mile, family-rated trail is an excellent introduction into the dunefield. Located near the boundary of the dunes, many desert plants and animals thrive in this ecosystem. Look for signs of lizards, kit foxes, badgers, birds, coyotes and mice living along this nature trail. Oryx, invasive african gazelle, have also been known to frequent this trail. Because the wind can quickly cover tracks and paths, follow the blue clover trail markers to navigate this route.
2. Alkali Flat Trail—Located at the end of Dunes Drive, Alkali Flat Trail is perhaps the best immersion into the dunes. Anything but flat, Alkali Flat Trail takes hikers on a 5-mile loop through backcountry dunes 60 feet tall, often pristine and untouched by footprints. Follow the red diamond trail markers placed along the route. Because the dunes can be disorientating, turn around and return to the trailhead if you cannot locate the next trail marker.
3. Sunset on the dunes—Many visitors come exclusively for the park’s legendary sunsets. The best place to watch the sunset is anywhere high up on the dunes. As the sun lowers behind the San Andres range, the dunes melt into golden hour, the sky turns pink, and distant mountains fall into purple alpenglow. Lasting only 20–30 minutes, this unparalleled event is high among all national park experiences. Note: the park closes daily 30 minutes after sunset, so be sure to pack up and head out soon after or risk a violation.

Best time to visit White Sands

Spring (March to May): Spring is the best time to visit White Sands. Temperatures are mild, ranging from 50°F to 80°F (10°C to 27°C), making outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the dunes more comfortable. With only brief rainstorms, this is the wet season bringing ponds and green foliage to the landscape.

Summer (June to August): Temperatures can soar above 100°F (38°C), which can make daytime visits uncomfortable, especially for outdoor activities. Early mornings or evenings are more pleasant if you visit in summer. Spring and summer months see the most visitors during school vacations and holidays.

Fall (September to November): Similar to spring, fall offers cooler temperatures, ideal for enjoying the park’s beauty without the extreme heat of summer, though foliage will most likely be dead and brown.

Winter (December to February): Winter is the least crowded time, but temperatures can drop below freezing at night, with daytime highs in the 40s-50s°F (4-15°C). Snow can add a unique beauty to the landscape, though it can be a bit chilly for some, especially in the mornings at sunrise.

How long should I visit White Sands?

White Sands can typically be fully explored in 1 day. With only 5 official trails (and the longest only 5 miles) covering the extent of the ecosystem, a full day of exploration will give you a good understanding of life on the dunes. Consider arriving midday, staying overnight at a local hotel or campground and leaving midday the following day. This will afford you one sunset, one sunrise, and allow you to avoid the heat of the day.

Getting to White Sands

Dunes Drive meets Highway 70 fifty miles east of Las Cruces and fifteen miles west of Alamogordo. The nearest commercial airports are El Paso International Aiport (ELP) 85 miles south in El Paso, Texas and Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) 200 miles north in Albuquerque, New Mexico. El Paso’s airport is closer and generally offers better competitive prices.

Where to stay in White Sands

Lodging—There is no lodging within the park. The best hotels and motels are nearby in Alamogordo, Tula Rosa or Las Cruces. Most major hospitality chains service these cities with decent rates and availability.

Campgrounds—Raptor Lake (Holloman Lake) just 3 miles east of the park is open to dispersed camping. Just off Highway 70 it’s a bit loud and busy, but it offers excellent free proximity to White Sands. Make note, there are no amenities (toilets, trash or water), but with Alamogordo minutes away you will never be stranded.

When should I book?

Summer and spring are the busiest season, but due to White Sands’ low profile and small size, it does not draw crowds like Yellowstone or Yosemite. Booking a week in advance is perfectly acceptable for off-season dates. And booking at least 1 month prior in peak season is wise, but with flexible dates and pricing you can most likely still find last minute accommodations.

How much should I budget?

White Sands is one of the most affordable parks to visit. A 1-day trip booked 1 month in advance can cost roughly $100–$300 depending on your required needs. Here is a range of what to expect:

Roundtrip Airfare to El Paso	$100–$300
Car Rental	$45–$80/day (not including taxes/fees)
Campsite	Free–$30/night (not including taxes/fees)
Lodges	$100–$200/night
Meals	$10–$15/meal
Entrance Fee	$35/vehicle for 7 days

Packing list for White Sands

Each park requires different gear for its unique characteristics. For White Sands National Park, we wouldn’t want to be caught without hiking sandals, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, jacket and a headlamp.

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed trip report for a peek into our trip to White Sands.

For more detailed information on White Sands National Park, visit the official park website.