Ultimate Guide to White Sands National Park in New Mexico

White Sands National Park is a magical place in New Mexico with white gypsum sand dunes. Often used as a backdrop for photo shoots, this unique location is a must visit for any hiker.

White Sands National Park, New Mexico

White Sand National Park encompasses 227.8 square miles in the Tularosa Basin, including the southern 41 percent of a 275-square-mile area of gypsum-based white sand dunes. White Sands National Park preserves the world’s biggest gypsum dune area, as well as the rare flora and animals that thrive in this otherworldly environment.

The spectacular pure white dunes between White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base give great recreation possibilities. Visitors can picnic, “white sand surf,” or simply wander across a part of the 275 square-mile National Park. The National Park Service also provides tours and activities such as full moon night programs, the Sunset Stroll Nature Walk, Lake Lucero trips, and special events.

The white sand dunes are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, made primarily of the mineral gypsum. For this reason, a lot of visitors will make that long trek.

History of White Sands National Park

When was White Sands made a national park?

In 1933, the white sand dunes were designated as White Sands National Monument. Then, in December 2019, White Sands National Monument was renamed as White Sands National Park, making it the National Park System’s 62nd designated national park. The sand is unusual in this area because of the gypsum, the reason for its distinctive white tint. In reality, it is the world’s largest gypsum dune field.

White Sand National Park’s Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit White Sands National Park is in the Fall from September to November, and in the Spring from March to May. The temperatures will be much milder then.

The weather in the desert, like everything else in White Sands, is unpredictable and harsh.

In June and July, the average high temperature of White Sands National Park is 97 degrees Fahrenheit, but temperatures as high as 111 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded. Dust storms are common, and the weather is almost always bright and hot. You will also run into rain from early July and into late September.

For this reason, I definitely recommend visiting in the Fall and Spring- and avoiding summer. Regardless, all visitors should wear sunscreen and check the weather forecast before visiting White Sands. Overnight visitors, on the other hand, should brace themselves for cold and frigid evenings.

Getting to White Sands National Park

Driving to White Sands National Park

Where is White Sands National Park, New Mexico? White Sands National Park is located in the Mescalero Apache and Tampachoa native territories and is a breathtakingly stunning destination that is well worth a visit.

The downside is that it is fairly far from the main cities in New Mexico. How far is White Sands National Park from Albuquerque, New Mexico? It is a 3.5 hour drive from both Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Out of state, it is a 1.5 hour drive from El Paso, Texas or a 5 hour drive from Tucson, Arizona.

The nearest town is Las Cruces, New Mexico but their airport only services charter flights.

Important Information for White Sands National Park

Fees for the National Park

The park charges a $25 entrance fee per car. For visitors who walk or are on bikes, you can also buy a $15 per person pass. If you have an annual National Parks Pass, you can utilize it. If you plan on visiting the park numerous days in a week, carry your receipt with you on each visit. Children under the age of 15 are free.

What time does White Sands National Park close?

Except for Christmas, White Sands National Park is open every day. The park opens at 7:00 a.m. daily, however, the closing hours vary based on the season. Because the closing hours varies by season, check the NPS Operating Hours website to find for your travel date, what time White Sands National Park closes.

Sometimes, due to missile testing at the neighbouring White Sands Missile Range, the park is periodically closed for up to three hours. So, verify the timings before you arrive. It is recommended for visitors to call the visitor centre to ensure that there is no closure in effect.

If you are looking for epic photos, I recommend getting to White Sands for sunset. Aim to get there at least 2-3 hours beforehand so you can explore the area and get your bearings. The sunset makes for great light against the white sand.

If you want to enter early or stay late, you need to file for a permit with the National Park Service. There is a fee of $75 per hour.

White Sands Campground Options

There is primitive camping available at White Sands National Park. Unfortunately as of June 2022, backcountry camping is closed due to rehabilitation of camping sites. No confirmed date has been determined for its reopening.

Because there are currently no camping options at White Sands National Park, you will need to stay at an RV park or hotel in a nearby town.

Hotels Near White Sand National Park

Some of the hotels close to White Sands National Park are listed below:

Alamogordo is 13 miles from the park. Options in Alamogordo include:

• The Hampton Inn Alamogordo: Your common 2-star chain of Hampton Inns has an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi. The average rating is 4.2 stars on Google.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamogordo: This 100% non-smoking Alamogordo hotel offers a daily breakfast, an in-room microwave and fridge, and an indoor pool. It’s your classic 2-star Holiday Inn. The average rating is 4.3 stars on Google.
• The Classic Desert Aire Hotel: This 3-star hotel has free WiFi and an airport shuttle service to and from El Paso, Texas. They also have amenities like a dog wash and a complimentary carryout breakfast. The average rating is 4.1 stars on Google.

If you want to stay in a bigger town in Las Cruces, you can stay at these hotels:

• Lundeen Inn of the Arts: This 2-star boutique hotel has a 4.7 review on Google. Guests love the service given it is a smaller-run operation.
• Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces: A classic Hilton Inn for a more budget-friendly option.
• Courtyard by Marriott: Close to New Mexico State University, this 3-star hotel is a good Marriott option at a reasonable price.

What to Pack

Comfortable Shoes for the Sand

You’ll want to pack comfortable shoes for the sand. You can either go with a hiking sandal like Chacos or a sneaker. If you wear sneakers though, just know that you’ll likely have sand stuck in your heel!

Sun Protection

The sun is really strong in Colorado, especially being high up in the elevation. I’ve found that my skin is generally more sensitive when I’m hiking in Colorado because of the high altitudes. Sun protection is super important for any hiker!

Water Storage

Bringing water is really important for your hike. As mentioned, it can get pretty hot at White Sands and there are no water refill stations on the sand dunes. My general rule of thumb is 1L of water per hour. Here are some of my favorite water storage containers – I especially love the Drom Bags

Summer Hiking Clothing

Summer hiking clothing will keep you cooler than your normal workout gear. If I’m going on a real hike, I will never wear cotton because it’s just a horribly inefficient material. For more details on why that is, check my post on Essential Hiking Clothes!

Your Own Sled (Optional)

You can bring your own sled to go sledding down the epic sand dunes if you want. You can purchase basic ones at the Visitor Center, but if you want a more advanced one you can also bring your own. Don’t forget to buy wax to help with your sled speed!

Things to Do at White Sand National Park

Photoshoots at White Sand National Park

White Sands National Park offers several photographic options. Anyone can snap nice images in White Sands NP, whether they use their phone or a high-end DSLR camera. There are various patterns, angles, and light to experiment with. Visitors are physically surrounded by interesting things to shoot in our enormous dune field of different forms, eternal panoramas, and striking contrasts.

Consider composition and lighting when deciding where to concentrate. It’s a photographer’s paradise!

Just remember if you want to shoot at sunrise or past the park close, you will need to file for a permit to come early or stay late.

Ranger Programs at White Sands

Ranger programs are an excellent opportunity to learn more about White Sands National Park and its tremendous variety. Programs are available for people of all ages and interests.

Sunset strolls are available every week, while Lake Lucero and Full Moon guided walks are done many times a year. Junior ranger programmes are also available. Some junior ranger activities include scavenger hunts at the visitor center, desert safety exercises, a wildlife checklist, word puzzles, nature etiquette, and many more activities.

Go on a Hike at White Sands National Park

Hiking is by far the most common attraction at White Sands National Park, and there are several hiking trails to choose from! Best of all, White Sands National Park is dog friendly so you can bring your pups along with you on your hiking adventures here.

There are four approved paths in the park, but you may also “pick your own journey” among the dunes. There aren’t really trails in the sand dunes, so you can wander off on your own – just make sure you remember where you came from. I suggest downloading an offline version of Google Maps beforehand.

While you are hiking, don’t forget to go sledding on the dunes. You can purchase a sled at the visitor center or bring your own.

1. Playa Trail

This pleasant 0.5-mile flat trail through the playa is level and easy, provides an outdoor exhibit and is designated with green route markers. It is a dry lake bed for most of the year

2. Dune Life Nature Trail

This hike is designated with blue trail markers and is a 1-mile roundtrip self-guided stroll through the dunes that is rated moderate. It requires hikers to climb dunes with loose sand.

At only 1 mile, this is a good option for families with younger children. It is a lot tougher to hike in sand versus hiking on rock!

3. Backcountry Camping Trail

This White Sands hiking trail is 2 miles roundtrip and is designated with orange trail markers. It offers a one-of-a-kind trekking experience as well as a breathtaking sight. This walk takes you across multiple steep dunes. suitable for those who require a more moderate hike and want something longer than Dune Life Nature Trail.

4. Alkali Flat Trail

Alkali Flat Trail is the most popular hike at White Sands National Park. Indicated with red trail markers, this is also the most demanding trek in the park. It is a tough 5-mile round trip hike up and down sand dunes the entire way. The route follows the last evidence of Lake Otero.

This is my personal favorite hike at White Sands National Park, and the one I would recommend if you are short on time.

Safety Measures for White Sands

It’s very important to remember a few basic safety precautions to take during your stay in White Sands National Park.

Stay Hydrated: Keep water with you at all costs because it is not just necessary for life (it may become hot, especially from June to August), but you might get lost. During that time, water storage will prove helpful. Taking rest is as important as drinking water. So, keep that in mind as well.

Follow The Trail Markers: There are no trails on the sand dunes, but the trail markets help guide you along the way. The wind will easily remove any footsteps, and there are a lot of routes in the dunes to confuse you. So be vigilant and follow the trail markers.

Tell Someone Where You are Going: Always tell someone that you are visiting White Sands and what time they should expect a call or text from you.

Closing Thoughts

White Sand National Park is definitely a must-go-to if you’re in the New Mexico area – Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or anywhere in between. This place is for every age group with the most beautiful views and a handful of fun activities that will make your day and provide the experience of a lifetime.

When we were there, we saw tons of families with kids and groups with their dogs. It’s a truly spectacular place.

Please make sure to pack out what you pack in to keep this preserved for other people.

Have you been to White Sands before? What did you think?

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