White Sands National Park

Park4.8(18,587)

As the November sun dips lower, the cool air makes wandering the vast, gypsum dune fields incredibly comfortable and refreshing. This arid landscape creates a surreal, snow-like appearance that contrasts brilliantly with the deep blue desert sky at twilight.

Why We Like It

Fun FactWhite Sands National Park preserves the world's largest gypsum dunefield, spanning approximately 275 square miles of pristine white sand.

Good to KnowThe park frequently closes for short periods due to missile testing on the adjacent White Sands Missile Range, so check the official website for closures before you arrive.

Best TimeVisit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat and to capture the best photography lighting on the dunes.

Time to SpendPlan to spend at least two to four hours in the park to experience the driving loop and take a hike on one of the designated trails.

Pro TipBring your own plastic sled or purchase one at the visitor center to slide down the dunes, as the fine gypsum sand is perfect for this activity.

Details

New Mexico, USA (575) 479-6124 nps.gov

About

White Sands National Park is a national park of the United States located in New Mexico and completely surrounded by White Sands Missile Range. The park covers 145,762 acres in the Tularosa Basin, including the southern 41% of a 275 mi2 (710 km2) field of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. This gypsum dunefield is the largest of its kind on Earth, with a depth of about 30 feet (9.1 m), dunes as tall as 60 feet (18 m), and about 4.5 billion short tons of gypsum sand.

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Activities & Experiences

Reviews

Tatjana Aleksić3 months ago

Too beautiful! The place is fantastic, and the alkali flat hike was the easiest, most pleasant, (and barefoot!) hike we have ever done! We started at 3.15 pm and while the sun was hot, the sand was cool, soft on the feet, and very easy to walk on. Surprisingly easy to climb the dunes, we both have knee problems and we felt zero stress while doing this hike. It seems indeed suitable for most people. We waited for the spectacular sunset, and it did not disappoint. We were super lucky that there was zero wind this afternoon, and the temperature was unusually hot for this time of year. Cannot recommend enough.

Wander Diary3 months ago

White Sands National Park has incredible views that feel almost otherworldly. The endless white dunes are stunning, especially as the light changes throughout the day. It’s also a great picnic spot. Sitting on the soft sand and taking in the wide-open scenery makes for a peaceful and memorable experience. Definitely worth a visit.

Lyz4 months ago

We spent a wonderful afternoon exploring the White Sands located right outside of Alamogorgo, NM. You can drive along the dunes, walk sone trails, play in the sands and even rent some sleds from the gift shop for $25 and slide down the dunes. Always check their website for the operating hours for that day as they vary due to the weather, alerts and park entry fees. It is not open 24/7. The park will close right before dark. Guess what? The sand is actually tiny granules of gypsum. The rocks roll into the basin from the rain and wind. When the water dries gypsum crystals are left which are then broken up by the strong winds and turn into these dunes of sand These dunes are actually only 4000 to 7000 yrs old. Millions of years ago giant mammoths, sloths and man walked this area which was a lake ( since dried) left their footprints which were discovered. The reason the sand does not blow away is because there is water way down under the dunes. The sand does feel slightly moist. Great place to enjoy walking and sliding along the dunes. Please visit the museum and don't miss the really interesting 15 minute video.