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.

White dunes in foreground with sun setting behind mountain.

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

Location: NM
Designation: National Park

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $25.00

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.

Entrance - Per Person $15.00

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.

Entrance - Motorcycle $20.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Commercial Entrance - Van $50.00

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 $60.00

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 $150.00

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

Wednesday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Monday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Thursday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Sunday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Tuesday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Friday: 7:00AM - Sunset
Saturday: 7:00AM - Sunset

Activities

Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Food Picnicking Guided Tours Hiking Junior Ranger Program

Guided Tours & Experiences

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Essential Park Gear

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