About 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. 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.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
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 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.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
Operating Hours
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
Activities
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
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.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
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…
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.
Hiking the Playa Trail
This short, level, family-friendly trail leads to a small playa.
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…
Hiking Alkali Flat Trail
Imagine yourself surrounded by the spectacular views of endless dunes with few footprints. The Alkali Flat Trail takes you through…
Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead
The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area has some of the tallest dunes to go sledding at White Sands.
Visitor Centers
White Sands Visitor Center
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…
Hours: Visitor Center hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm year-round. It is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Campgrounds
Backcountry Camping
Due to rehabilitation of camping sites, backcountry camping is closed.
🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences
Discover White Sands National Park with expert-led tours
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
🏨 Find Hotels Near White Sands National Park
Compare accommodation options for your visit
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
More Parks in New Mexico
Plan Your Trip From a Nearby City
Find national parks near these cities, including White Sands National Park.