White Sands National Park is one of the newest additions to the National Park Service, but people have been moving through this area for thousands of years. It’s a small area tucked in a valley between two mountain ranges in central New Mexico. Even though it’s not right off a major highway, it’s worth any detour. It’s a perfect add-on to a trip to Santa Fe or Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A Guide to White Sands National Park
Where is White Sands National Park Located?
White Sands National Park is located in the southern center of New Mexico between Interstate 25 and Highway 54. Las Cruces is the largest town nearby, but we stayed in Alamogordo at this hotel. We visited during the same stretch of our trip as Carlsbad Caverns and the Guadalupe Mountains, which are in the same region. The three parks can’t all be done in one day – you’d need a long weekend, but it would be a great way to visit a few parks that are clustered in this part of the Southwest.
How much does it cost to get into White Sands?
The entrance fee is $25 per car. If you plan to visit a few National Parks this year, I recommend getting this yearly pass from REI or one of the park entrances. It pays for itself when you visit 2-3 parks; everything after that is free.
What makes the sand white?
It’s not actually sand making up the beautiful dunes of this park. The substance is gypsum. This is a clear, soft sulfate mineral. It’s mined and used as a fertilizer and an ingredient in sidewalk chalk, plaster, and drywall. The particles are moving around so much and scratching other particles giving them the white color you see when you are there. Gypsum dissolves in water like salt or sugar, but because the location of White Sands National Park has no water outlets – the white sand remains in the park.
What is there to do at White Sands National Park?
Wander the Dunes
The biggest difference between this park and some of our other favorites, like Grand Tetons and Big Bend, is the lack of trails for hiking. You just park and wander out onto the dunes. It’s beautiful and easy to spend hours there without seeing another person.
Sand Sledding
If you love sledding, but hate the cold, grab a sled (check here for updated pricing) from the visitor’s center and hit the sand slopes. We opted out of this when we visited, but this is a very popular way to enjoy the sand dunes.
Complete the Drive
Dunes Drive is 8 miles in and 8 miles back, with plenty of spots to pull over and explore. There are a few boardwalk-style paths to allow you to stretch your legs without getting sand in your shoes. The drive is beautiful if you don’t want to get out.
Spot the Oryx that Live in the Park
More than 3,000 Oryx are living in the park. They were brought from Africa in the 1960s and have been inhabiting the area since then. We didn’t spot any when we were there, but we were lucky enough to camp near them in the desert of Namibia. Turn your trip into a fun safari.
When is the best time to visit?
The park is open from 7 AM to 9 PM. The best times to be in the park are sunrise and sunset. The colors are incredible, and the shadows of the dunes are beautiful. Since it isn’t really sand, it doesn’t retain heat – so you don’t have to worry about the ground being super hot in the middle of the day. The sun is strong, though; if you go midday, bring water and sunscreen.
Time of Year to Visit White Sands National Park
Spring and fall are the best times to visit White Sands National Park for the best temperatures and some colorful scenery in the distance. If you want the least number of visitors without the summer’s blasting heat, you can also check out the park in the winter months. We visited in late February and needed winter coats but had the paths to ourselves.
10 Photos of White Sands National Park to Inspire Your Visit
You have to see the park in person to fully appreciate the beautiful white sands, blue skies, and mountains. But here are ten of our favorite photos from our visit there to help you get an idea.
Plan Your Visit to White Sands National Park Today
Pack your road trip essentials and plan your trip to the American Southwest. It’s unique and gorgeous. Get there before the word gets out and the park fills up. Don’t forget to try some New Mexican cuisine with the famous hatch chile snuck into just about everything. Happy travels!
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