Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.
Photo: NPS Photo
White Sands National Park
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico.
- LocationAlamogordo, NM
- Entrance $25 private vehicle
- HoursDaily, 7:00AM - Sunset
-
Weather now79°F Cloudy
- Alerts 5 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Architecture and Building
- Birds
- Dunes
- Fish
- Fossils and Paleontology
- Geology
- Groundwater
Alerts (5)
Park ClosureDunes Drive Safety Corridor Dunes Drive is open. A safety corridor is in effect between mile marker 3 and 5.5 along Dunes Drive. Visitors may drive… Read more
Dunes Drive is open. A safety corridor is in effect between mile marker 3 and 5.5 along Dunes Drive. Visitors may drive but not stop or exit their vehicle in this area.
InformationBackcountry Camping Closed
Backcountry camping at the park is closed. There is no established opening date at this time.
InformationInterdune Boardwalk Closed Due to the active safety corridor, the Interdune Boardwalk is closed. Please visit the park visitor center to learn abou… Read more
Due to the active safety corridor, the Interdune Boardwalk is closed. Please visit the park visitor center to learn about other options during your visit.
InformationPark Closures From time to time the missile range that surrounds the park performs military testing that may require the closure of th… Read more
From time to time the missile range that surrounds the park performs military testing that may require the closure of the park or Highway 70. Please plan your visit around upcoming military tests.
InformationRV and Tractor Trailer Parking at the Visitor Center There is limited space for parking for recreational vehicles and trailers in the parking lot directly in front (south) o… Read more
There is limited space for parking for recreational vehicles and trailers in the parking lot directly in front (south) of the visitor center. RVs are asked to not park in the lot behind the visitor center. There is no parking space for tractor trailers.
Things to Do
8 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
-
Hiking Alkali Flat Trail
Imagine yourself surrounded by the spectacular views of endless dunes with few footprints. The Alkali Flat Trail takes you through the heart of the sands, up and over steep dunes to the edge of…
Learn more about Hiking Alkali Flat Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail
Are you looking for expansive views of snow-white gypsum dunes for miles? Hiking the Backcountry Camping Trail provides a sense of the magnitude of the world's largest gypsum dunefield.
Learn more about Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hiking Dune Life Nature Trail
The Dune Life Nature Trail is full of life! This family-friendly, one mile (1.6 km) loop trail is a great way to explore White Sands.
Learn more about Hiking Dune Life Nature Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hiking Interdune Boardwalk
The Interdune Boardwalk is an elevated boardwalk that leads you through the fragile interdune area to a scenic view of the dune field and the Sacramento mountains.
Learn more about Hiking Interdune Boardwalk on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hiking the Ice Age Trail
This level, family-friendly trail interprets the Ice Age history of the Tularosa Basin
Learn more about Hiking the Ice Age Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Picnicking at White Sands
White Sands National Park offers three picnic areas where people can enjoy shade, relaxation, and access to the parks incredible dunes.
Learn more about Picnicking at White Sands on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead
The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area has some of the tallest dunes to go sledding at White Sands.
Learn more about Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Sledding at the Roadrunner Picnic Area
The Roadrunner Picnic area is an excellent place to go sledding with friends and family at White Sands National Park.
Learn more about Sledding at the Roadrunner Picnic Area on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 8 of 8
All 11 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
-
White Sands National Park Tours
Ticket Facility
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders, the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 575-479-6124 Directions
Details
Overview:
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders, the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.
You're about to become part of an amazing legacy that stretches back in time over more than 10,000 years. Seemingly stark and barren, the 275 square miles of brilliant white gypsum sand dunes are home to an amazing diversity of life, weaving a spell over all who visit. The dunes offer countless opportunities for discovery and it is our sincere hope that you will have fun, make lifelong memories, and develop a deep connection to a place that has provided spiritual and physical sustenance to humankind for thousands of years.
2018 White Sands National Monument Events
Lake Lucero Tours
2 pm Saturday, January 27
2 pm Sunday, February 25
9 am Saturday, March 24
9 am Sunday, April 29
10 am Saturday, Nov 24
10 am Saturday, Dec 29
Sunrise Arts
6:00 am Saturday, March 17
6:00 am Saturday, October 20
Full Moon Hikes
7:45 pm Monday, May 28
8:00 pm Wednesday, June 27
8:00 pm Thursday, July 26
7:30 pm Saturday, Aug 25
6:45 pm Sunday, Sept 23
6:00 pm Tuesday, Oct 23
Step through Time
10:00 am Saturday, November 3
Other Visitor Services
-
Backcountry Camping
Facility
Due to rehabilitation of camping sites, backcountry camping is closed.
19955 Highway 70 West, Alamogordo, NM (575) 479-6124 Directions
Details
Due to rehabilitation of camping sites, backcountry camping is closed. -
White Sands Visitor Center
Facility
The visitor center was built in 1936 and is part of the historic district at White Sands. Inside you will find the park store as well as the museum for the park. Make…
19955 Hwy 70 W., Alamogordo, NM (575) 479-6124 Directions
Details
The visitor center was built in 1936 and is part of the historic district at White Sands. Inside you will find the park store as well as the museum for the park. Make sure you check out the wayside in the visitor center courtyard to learn about the unique construction style that makes the visitor center an incredible example of the "Spanish Revival" architectural design.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 7:00AM - Sunset · Standard Park Hours
Hours details
-
Standard Park HoursDaily, 7:00AM - Sunset
The park gates always open at 7:00 am with closing hours changing with sunset. The park closes 30 minutes after local sunset. Local sunset is 8 minutes earlier than Alamogordo's predicted sunset. Sunset times can be found at https://sunrise-sunset.org/us/alamogordo-nm
Monday 7:00AM - Sunset Tuesday 7:00AM - Sunset Wednesday 7:00AM - Sunset Thursday 7:00AM - Sunset Friday 7:00AM - Sunset Saturday 7:00AM - Sunset Sunday 7:00AM - Sunset
Entrance fees
- $25Private Vehicle
- $20Motorcycle
- $15Per Person
All 6 fees & details
-
Private Vehicle$25
Per vehicle fee is charged to visitors for entry by a single, private non-commercial vehicle. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.
-
Per Person$15
Per person fee is charged to visitors for entry by means other than a single, private non-commercial vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who enter the park by walking and bicycling. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.
-
Motorcycle$20
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
-
Commercial Entrance - Van$50
Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
-
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus$60
Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
-
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$150
Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
Passes
- $45Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
This pass admits the pass holder and three persons (16 years and older) in a private non-commercial vehicle into the park for free for a period of one year from month of purchase. It can only be purchased at the entrance station to White Sands National Park. This pass does not apply to special use fees, such as camping and interpretive program fees.
Address
19955 Hwy 70 WAlamogordo, NM 88310
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
79°F
Cloudy · feels like 73°
-
Today
81° 67°
Sunny4% rain -
Tomorrow
78° 62°
Sunny1% rain
-
Wednesday
76° 60°
Sunny1% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
Temperatures at White Sands vary greatly throughout the year. Summer time temperatures can be very hot. Winters are mild with cool evenings. Spring time is the windy season. Fall is very enjoyable with mild daytime and night time temperatures.
Upcoming Events
9 coming up-
National Fossil Day Drop-in Program
About
Celebrate National Fossil Day with us by dropping in a the visitor center courtyard to learn more about the park's fossilized footprints from park scientists and see rarely exhibited footprint casts, molds, and other items from the park's collection.
-
Ice Age Life Within Drop-in Program
About
Stop by any time between 10 and 11 to learn more about the ancient fossilized footprints found at White Sands National Park.
-
Sunset Stroll
Event page for Sunset Stroll (opens in a new tab)About
The Sunset Stroll is a leisurely, ranger-guided half mile stroll through the gypsum sand dunes. It is a splendid opportunity to experience the dunes first-hand while learning about the uniqueness of our geology, plants, and animals. As an added bonus, the stroll is timed to end at sunset, providing a panoramic view of the sun setting over the mountains and the potential for some breath-taking photographic opportunities.
-
October Full Moon Night Presentation by David Bustos
Event page for October Full Moon Night Presentation by David Bustos (opens in a new tab)About
Join Resource Program Manager David Bustos at the park's natural outdoor amphitheater for a special ranger presentation about the fossilized footprints found in the park. Learn the tales of ancient humans, how they hunted, how they lived, and the current study of the fossilized footprints found at White Sands.
Show 5 more events
-
Moonlight Hike
Event page for Moonlight Hike (opens in a new tab)About
Have you ever wanted to hike the dunes under the magical glow of the moon? This is your chance to enjoy the peace and serenity of this elusive environment and experience unique stories of the park. Moonlight hikes are offered March through November, on nights surrounding the full moon.
Click the link below for more information.
-
Ranger-Guided Walk of Ice Age Trail
About
Join park rangers on a guided walk of 0.8-mile Ice Age Trail (formerly the Playa Trail) where you can learn about the Pleistocene landscape, its mammal and human inhabitants, and how the fossilized footprints were first discovered in the park.
-
Lake Lucero Tour
Event page for Lake Lucero Tour (opens in a new tab)About
Have you ever wondered how the white sands formed and why Lake Lucero is often referred to as the birthplace of the dunes? Take a tour to Lake Lucero with a ranger and learn about the formation of the sands.
-
Moonlight Hike
Event page for Moonlight Hike (opens in a new tab)About
Have you ever wanted to hike the dunes under the magical glow of the moon? This is your chance to enjoy the peace and serenity of this elusive environment and experience unique stories of the park. Moonlight hikes are offered March through November, on nights surrounding the full moon.
Click the link below for more information.
-
Lake Lucero Tour
Event page for Lake Lucero Tour (opens in a new tab)About
Have you ever wondered how the white sands formed and why Lake Lucero is often referred to as the birthplace of the dunes? Take a tour to Lake Lucero with a ranger and learn about the formation of the sands.
Photos
-
The wind shapes and moves the dunes as a whole but gives each individual dune the texture of ripples. — NPS Photo -
-
Getting There
Alamogordo, NM 88310
White Sands National Park is located off of US Highway 70 between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo. The park is about 15 miles west of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces.
Mailing address: PO Box 1086, Holloman AFB, NM 88330
Map loads when you scroll here