White Sands is a 275-square-mile park of gypsum dunes in southern New Mexico

White Sands National Park sits near Alamogordo, New Mexico, about 150 miles north of El Paso, Texas. The park protects the largest gypsum dune field in the world — the sand is not quartz like most beaches, but gypsum, a soft mineral that stays cool even in direct sun and does not stick to skin the way regular sand does. The dunes roll across the Tularosa Basin in white waves that can reach 60 feet high.

The park is open year-round, though hours and road conditions change with the season. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, while winter mornings can drop below freezing. Most visitors come between October and April when the heat is manageable and the light is clearer for photography.

Key Takeaways

  • White Sands charges a per-vehicle entrance fee (currently $25 for a seven-day pass) and does not require reservations to enter the main park area.
  • The park has three main driving loops and several walking trails ranging from 0.3 miles to 5 miles, plus open dune areas where you can walk freely.
  • Gypsum sand reflects heat and stays cool, but bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat because the sun exposure is intense and there is little shade.
  • Sledding down dunes is allowed year-round, and the park rents plastic sleds at the visitor center on days when snow or moisture makes the sand packable.
  • The nearest town with lodging and food is Alamogordo, about 15 miles away; the park itself has no overnight camping, hotels, or restaurants.

How to get there and where to park

White Sands is located on US Highway 70, between Alamogordo and Las Cruces. If you are coming from Alamogordo, take Highway 70 east for about 15 miles; if from Las Cruces, take Highway 70 west for about 40 miles. The park entrance is clearly marked. There is no public transit to the park, so you will need a car.

Once inside, you pay the entrance fee at the gate. A seven-day vehicle pass costs $25 (as of 2024, though fees may change). You can also buy an annual pass for $50 or use a National Parks Pass if you have one. Motorcycles are $20, and pedestrians or cyclists are $15. The fee covers parking at any of the park's lots.

The main visitor center parking area is near the entrance and has restrooms, water, and a small gift shop. From there, you can drive the three main loops or walk to the trailheads. Parking is free once you have paid the entrance fee.

The three main driving routes and what you will see

The park has three scenic drives, each a loop that starts and ends at the visitor center area. You can drive them in any order, and each takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many stops you make.

Dunes Drive is the most popular. It is a 16-mile loop that winds through the heart of the dune field. You will pass several pullouts where you can stop, get out, and walk into the dunes. The road is paved but narrow, and it closes at sunset.

Alkali Flat Trail Drive is a shorter loop that leads to the trailhead for the park's longest hike. The drive itself is about 5 miles and passes through areas where you can see the transition from dunes to hardpan.

Big Dune Trail Drive is a 2-mile loop that takes you to a short walking trail up one of the tallest dunes in the park. The views from the top show the scale of the dune field.

Walking trails for different fitness levels

The park has trails ranging from straightforward to strenuous. Most are not marked with mile markers, so distances are approximate and depend on how far into the dunes you wander.

Interdune Boardwalk (0.3 miles) is paved and wheelchair-accessible. It loops through a low area between dunes and takes about 10 minutes.

Playa Trail (2.5 miles round trip) is a moderate walk across the white sand to a hardpan area where you can see animal tracks and the boundary of the dune field. It is mostly flat but exposed to sun.

Alkali Flat Trail (5 miles round trip) is the longest maintained trail. It climbs gradually through dunes and ends at a viewpoint overlooking the basin. This trail is strenuous in summer heat and has no shade.

Beyond the marked trails, you can walk freely into the open dune areas. Many visitors straightforward park at a pullout and walk up the nearest dune. Bring a map or GPS because the dunes look similar in all directions and it is straightforward to lose your bearings.

What to bring and how to prepare for the heat and sun

Gypsum sand stays much cooler than regular sand, but the sun exposure is relentless. The dunes have almost no vegetation and no shade. Bring at least two liters of water per person, even for a short walk. The park recommends three liters for longer hikes.

Sunscreen is essential. The white sand reflects UV rays, so you will burn faster than you expect. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Light-colored, loose clothing protects your skin and helps you stay cool. Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots are better than sandals because the sand can get hot near the surface in summer, and you may encounter small rocks or debris.

In summer (June through August), start your visit early in the morning. Temperatures above 95°F make midday hiking dangerous. Winter mornings can be cold, so bring a jacket. The park is windy year-round, so expect sand in your car and gear.

Sledding and when the park rents sleds

Sledding down dunes is allowed any day of the year. The park rents plastic sleds at the visitor center when conditions are right — usually after rain or snow, or during winter months when moisture in the air makes the sand packable. Rental cost is typically $5 to $7 per sled, though prices may vary.

You can also bring your own sled or use a piece of cardboard, though the park-rented sleds are designed for the sand and work better. Sledding is most popular in winter and after rain. Call the visitor center before you go if sledding is important to your visit, because sled rental is not available every day.

Lodging, food, and services near the park

White Sands has no overnight camping, hotels, restaurants, or gas stations inside the park. The nearest town is Alamogordo, about 15 miles west on Highway 70. Alamogordo has motels, hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores. Las Cruces, about 40 miles south, is larger and has more lodging options.

The visitor center has water fountains and restrooms but no food for sale. Pack snacks and lunch if you plan to spend the day. Gas up your car in Alamogordo before you arrive at the park.

The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily. The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (hours may vary seasonally). The Dunes Drive closes at sunset, so plan your timing accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog to White Sands?

Dogs are allowed on leash in the park, including on trails and in the dune areas. However, the sand gets hot in summer and paws can burn, so avoid midday visits in warm months. Bring extra water for your dog and watch for signs of overheating.

Is the sand really white, or does it look different in person?

The sand is genuinely white and bright. Photographs often look even whiter because of the reflection and the camera's exposure settings, but in person the dunes are strikingly pale. The brightness can be intense, so sunglasses are important for comfort.

What is the best time of year to visit?

October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures and clearest light. Summer (June through August) is very hot and less crowded. Winter mornings can be cold, but afternoons are usually mild. Avoid midday visits in summer unless you are prepared for extreme heat.

Can I drive my own vehicle on the dunes?

No. Only the paved loops and marked roads are open to vehicles. The dune areas are for walking only. Off-road vehicles are not permitted in the park.

How long should I plan to spend at the park?

A short visit of two to three hours lets you drive one loop and walk one trail. A full day allows you to explore all three loops, hike multiple trails, and spend time in the open dunes. Many visitors spend four to six hours and return to their lodging in Alamogordo.