I was genuinely surprised by the brilliant whiteness of the sand. It’s almost blinding to gaze across the vast fields of white gypsum extending in all directions. It resembles snow, feels like clay, and behaves like sand—a truly surreal experience.
There are many places with similar landscapes, but none compare to White Sands in New Mexico. If you’re considering a visit, keep reading for essential tips.
About White Sands National Park
Designated as a National Monument in 1933, White Sands boasts the world’s largest gypsum sand field. It forms an ocean of white against the stark desert backdrop. Elevated to National Park status in 2019, it’s one of the country’s newest parks.
Spanning 145,762 acres in Southern New Mexico’s Chihuahuan desert, which is one of North America’s largest deserts, the high winds break down the gypsum into the fine sand seen today. The park’s landscape is relatively young, just thousands of years old compared to the surrounding lands. One fascinating feature is witnessing natural selection at work; lizards, moths, and other animals have adapted lighter colors to blend into the sand.
With around 600,000 visitors annually, White Sands still maintains a more intimate feel, reminiscent of a National Monument rather than a large park. While developed areas for visitors are limited, there’s plenty to explore.
How Long to Spend in White Sands National Park
In my opinion, one to two days are enough to fully experience White Sands National Park. The park’s limited roads and activities mean there’s a finite amount to see and do.
For an extended stay, consider backcountry camping on the dunes—it’s the only way to spend the night in the park, and you’ll need a permit for it. You can cover most hiking trails, go sledding, and explore much of the park in a single day. Staying into the evening offers the added bonus of sunset hikes and stargazing.
Things to Do in White Sands National Park
Hiking
The park has several hiking trails, ranging from short walks and boardwalks to longer hikes through the bigger dunes at the park’s rear. While the trails may not be as challenging as those in other parks, they still offer a chance to get lost and explore.
Sand Sledding
This wasn’t my favorite activity because the sleds didn’t glide well on the white sand compared to other locations. Nonetheless, it’s a hit with kids. For the best experience, head to the dunes near Alkali Flats or the dune life hike area. Sleds are available at the visitor center’s gift shop but can be a bit flimsy; you might also find sturdier options in nearby towns.
Sunset and Ranger Programs
The park offers nightly ranger-led sunset walks through the dunes, starting from a marked location within the park. Check the visitor center for the latest schedule and sunset times. There are also additional ranger-led talks and walks throughout the day.
Backcountry Camping
A unique experience here is camping overnight on the sand dunes. You’ll need to stick to designated areas and avoid off-limits regions like parts of the White Sands Missile Range. Information about permits and possible closures is available on the official White Sands website.
Stargazing
Winter and backcountry camping offer excellent stargazing opportunities, with minimal light pollution providing clear views of stars, satellites, and planets. A stargazing app can enhance your experience.
Where to Stay
Hotels
Nearby Alamogordo and Las Cruces offer plenty of hotel options. Las Cruces is larger and has more choices.
– Alamogordo, Holiday Inn Express: Clean and convenient.
– Alamogordo, Home2: A bit farther, but still a great option.
– Las Cruces, Springhill Suites: Not centrally located but offers nice rooms.
– Las Cruces, La Quinta: Clean and well-priced, though not in walkable areas.
Camping
The only camping option within the park is backcountry camping. Unfortunately, there are no car/RV campsites, which might be disappointing compared to other national parks. However, nearby areas do offer camping facilities.
Basic Information
Visitor Center
Just outside the park entrance, the visitor center is a must-visit for orientation and information.
Address: 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310
Fees
– Private Vehicle: $25
– Per Person: $15 (on foot/bike)
– Motorcycle: $20
– White Sands Annual Pass: $45
– The park also accepts the $80 Annual America the Beautiful pass, a great option if you’re visiting multiple parks.
Hours
Generally open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, the park may close in winter for road safety or during missile tests at the nearby range.
National Park Passport Stamp
Available at the visitor center’s bookstore/gift shop.
Website: Official NPS Website
Getting There
By Car
Located on US-70 near White Sands Missile Range, the nearest town is Alamogordo.
– Alamogordo: 16 miles (20 minutes)
– Las Cruces: 52 miles (50 minutes)
– El Paso: 103 miles (90 minutes)
– Carlsbad NM: 162 miles (3 hours)
– Carlsbad Caverns NP: 181 miles (3.5 hours)
– Guadalupe Mountains NP: 192 miles (3 hours)
– Albuquerque: 225 miles (3.5 hours)
By Air
The closest major airport is in El Paso, about 103 miles (90 minutes) away. You might find affordable flights, especially from places like Denver.
Tips & FAQs
– Bring Sunglasses: The bright sand and wind make it essential.
– Bring Water: Stay hydrated in the desert heat.
– Have a Device: Mark your parking area on Google Maps to avoid getting lost.
– Pay Attention to Signs: Steer clear of off-limits areas near the Missile Range.
– Buy a Sled: If you arrive late, see if someone leaving will sell you their sled instead of buying a new one.
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