How to Plan the Perfect Trip to White Sands National Park

Are you planning a trip to New Mexico and wondering if you should White Sands National Park in your itinerary?

White Sands National Park is unlike anywhere else in the United States. With miles of sparkling white gypsum dunes, incredible sunsets, and fun activities like sand sledding and hiking it’s easy to see why White Sands National Park is one of the most unique natural wonders in the country.

On my recent trip to New Mexico, I spent a full day exploring White Sands, and it quickly became one of my favorite national parks. The landscape feels otherworldly you’ll honestly think you’ve landed on another planet and yet it’s surprisingly easy to visit, even if you only have a day or half.

In this blog post, I’m sharing everything I learned from my visit: how to get to White Sands National Park, the best time to visit, what to pack, where to stay nearby, and the top things you absolutely can’t miss once you’re there.

About White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is one of those places that doesn’t feel real until you’re actually standing there. Located in southern New Mexico, this park protects the world’s largest gypsum dune field over 275 square miles of soft, powdery white sand. Instead of the golden or reddish desert you might expect in the Southwest, the dunes here are bright white, sparkling like freshly fallen snow under the desert sun.

What makes this place so unique is the gypsum. Normally, gypsum dissolves in water and gets washed away, but here in the Tularosa Basin, there’s no outlet to the sea. Over thousands of years, the minerals from ancient lakes built up and created this rare and massive dune field. The result? A desert unlike anywhere else in the world.

White Sands New Mexico was first established as a National Monument in 1933, but in 2019, it officially became the 62nd U.S. National Park. Today, it welcomes visitors from all over the world who come to hike, sled, and experience the surreal beauty of this landscape.

How to Get to White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park sits in southern New Mexico, right in the heart of the Tularosa Basin, surrounded by the San Andres Mountains to the west and the Sacramento Mountains to the east.

Getting to White Sands National Park is actually pretty straightforward, but since it’s tucked away in southern New Mexico, you’ll definitely want to plan your route in advance. The nearest town is Alamogordo, just 15 minutes away, which makes it the perfect base for food, gas, and hotels. You’ll also find the city of Las Cruces about an hour away and El Paso, Texas about an hour and a half away.

• Road-tripping is hands down the best way to visit White Sands. The park is located along U.S. Highway 70, making it easy to reach if you’re already exploring the Southwest. If you’re coming from further out:
  
  • El Paso, Texas to White Sands: ~1.5 hours (100 miles)
  • Las Cruces, New Mexico to White Sands: ~1 hour (52 miles)
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico to White Sands: ~3.5 hours (225 miles)

• By Air – If you’re flying in and renting a car, you can easily start your trip from either El Paso, Texas or Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  • El Paso International Airport (ELP): about 1.5 hours away (100 miles)
  • Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ): about 3.5 hours away

• By Camper Van or RV : If you’re doing a New Mexico camper van road trip, White Sands is an easy stop between Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The wide-open roads here are perfect for RV travel.

Keep in mind: The park is located near White Sands Missile Range, and the highway sometimes closes temporarily during missile tests. It doesn’t happen every day, but it’s worth checking the official National Park Service website before you go to make sure the road is open.

Tip : If you’re flying in, your best bet is El Paso International Airport (ELP), which has plenty of rental car options and just 1.5 hrs from the national park.

Best Time to Visit White Sands National Park

White Sands is stunning year-round, but your experience will vary depending on the season. I visited in September, and it was unforgettable—the days were warm, evenings cooled off perfectly, and the sunsets painted the dunes in surreal shades of pink and purple.

If you’re choosing the best season, spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are hard to beat. The weather is warm but not extreme, the skies are usually clear, and you can explore the dunes comfortably for hours. These shoulder seasons are ideal for hiking, sledding, or simply wandering through the white sands without battling scorching heat.

Summer (June – August):
Expect extreme heat, with daytime highs soaring past 100°F. If you visit, plan for early morning or late evening to avoid the worst of it, and carry extra water. July and August also bring frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Fall (September – November):
My personal pick! Days are warm but manageable, crowds are thinner, and sunsets are magical. You might still encounter some late-summer thunderstorms, but overall it’s a fantastic time to visit.

Winter (December – February):
Chilly but peaceful. Expect daytime temps in the 50s and colder nights, but the skies stay clear and the park feels extra serene. This is a good time if you want fewer people around.

Spring (March – May):
Arguably the best season. With daytime highs in the 70s and 80s, it’s perfect for long hikes and sledding adventures. Just be aware—this is also the windy season, and gusts up to 50 mph can cause sandstorms and whiteout conditions.

No matter when you go, plan to catch sunrise or sunset. The soft light transforms the dunes into dreamy pastel landscapes—perfect for photos and an unforgettable experience.

Because White Sands is located next to the White Sands Missile Range, plan ahead by checking the official White Sands National Park website before your trip. The park occasionally closes for missile testing, and hours of operation are strictly enforced—so make sure you know the schedule to avoid surprises.

What to Pack for White Sands National Park

Packing right for White Sands National Park makes all the difference. The dunes may look like snow, but trust me, they feel very different once you’re out exploring. When I visited in September, I quickly learned that the bright sand, strong sun, and shifting temperatures meant I needed a few key items to stay comfortable. Here’s what I recommend you bring:

Essentials

• Water (lots of it!) – The desert is dry and sneaky about dehydration. Pack more water than you think you’ll need, especially if you plan to hike.
• Sunglasses + Sunscreen – The reflection off the dunes is intense. I applied sunscreen more than once and was thankful for polarized sunglasses.
• Sun Hat or Cap – A wide-brimmed hat can save you from the intense midday sun.
• Snacks – There aren’t food vendors inside the park, so bring trail mix, fruit, or anything easy to munch on.

Clothing

• Light, Breathable Layers – Daytime can feel hot, but mornings and evenings are cooler. Layering helps you stay comfortable.
• Comfortable Shoes (or Bare Feet!) – The cool thing about gypsum sand is it never gets scorching hot. You can totally go barefoot, but I still recommend sneakers or hiking sandals if you’re walking long distances.
• Jacket or Sweatshirt (seasonal) – If you’re visiting in spring or fall, pack a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Other things

• Sled – Yes, really. Sledding down the dunes is a must-do. You can buy waxed plastic sleds at the visitor center or bring your own.
• Camera Gear – The lighting at golden hour is unreal. Even if you’re just using your phone, make sure it’s charged and ready.
• Picnic Blanket – Bring a picnic blanket or camp chair if you’re planning to stay for sunset or stargazing. Sitting on the soft white sand while the sun goes down is an experience you’ll never forget.

Where to Stay at White Sands National Park

One thing to know right away: there are no hotels or lodges inside White Sands National Park. That means you’ll need to stay nearby, and there are plenty of great options ranging from budget-friendly motels to cozy campgrounds. When I visited in September, I based myself in Alamogordo, and it worked out perfectly. The town is just 15 minutes from the park entrance, so it’s super convenient if you want to catch sunrise or sunset at the dunes without a long drive.

Here are your best options for where to stay:

1. Hotels in Alamogordo, NM (Closest Option)

Alamogordo is the go-to base for most travelers. You’ll find a mix of chain hotels and budget motels, plus a few unique local stays.

• Holiday Inn Express Alamogordo – Clean, comfortable, and includes breakfast.
• Hampton Inn Alamogordo – Another solid choice with a pool for cooling off after hot days.
• Budget Motels & Local Inns – If you just need a place to crash between adventures, you’ll find plenty of affordable options here.

2. Camp Nearby in State Parks or Forest Lands

You can’t stay overnight inside White Sands National Park at the moment. The park’s backcountry camping—the unique experience of sleeping right on the gypsum dunes—is currently closed for site rehabilitation, and the National Park Service hasn’t announced when it will reopen.

But don’t worry! There are plenty of nearby spots where you can still camp under the stars:

• Oliver Lee Memorial State Park (~24 miles): Rustic campground with scenic views and partial hookups.
• Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey & Edgington RV Park: Convenient and comfortable options close to the park.
• Leasburg Dam (~69 miles), Percha Dam, and City of Rocks State Park: Offering varied landscapes and amenities for campers.
• Lincoln National Forest or BLM areas: Perfect if you’re up for dispersed camping or want a forested escape.

3. Other Nearby Cities

• Las Cruces, NM – About an hour away. A bigger city with more hotel options, restaurants, and breweries.
• El Paso, TX – About 1.5 hours away. Great if you’re flying in and want a city base before heading into the park.
  

If camping isn’t your style, stay in Alamogordo. It’s close, easy, and gives you more flexibility to catch the best times of day at the dunes—sunrise, sunset, and even full moon nights if you’re lucky.

Things to Do at White Sands National Park

When I first arrived at White Sands National Park, I thought, “Okay, it’s just dunes—how much can you really do here?” Spoiler: a lot. This park is so much more than just walking around in the sand. Whether you’ve got a couple of hours or a whole day, here are the best things to do at White Sands:

1. Sledding Down the Dunes

Yes, this is the iconic White Sands National Park activity. Grab a plastic sled (you can buy one at the visitor center or bring your own) and cruise down the soft dunes. It’s fun for kids, but honestly, I saw plenty of adults laughing harder than the kids. Tip: wax your sled for maximum speed!

2. Scenic Dune Drive

The 8-mile Dunes Drive is the main road through White Sands National Park, and it’s stunning. It starts paved and then turns into packed gypsum, winding deeper into the dunes. You can stop at pullouts along the way to explore or snap photos.

3. Hiking Trails

There are a handful of trails here, each with its own vibe:

• Interdune Boardwalk (0.4 miles, easy): Accessible and perfect for a quick stroll with interpretive signs.
• Playa Trail (0.5 miles, easy): Great for families, with colorful signs explaining the desert environment.
• Dune Life Nature Trail (1 mile, moderate): Loops through the dunes and offers a glimpse of wildlife.
• Alkali Flat Trail (5 miles, strenuous): Don’t be fooled by the name—this is the most challenging hike in the park. You’ll trek across open dunes with markers guiding the way. I recommend it only if you’re prepared with water and sun protection.

4. Ranger Programs

Check the schedule at the visitor center when you arrive. From full-moon hikes to sunset strolls, ranger-led programs are a fun way to learn more about the geology and wildlife of the park.

5. Photography & Sunset Watching

Bring your camera (or just your phone) and be ready—this place is a photographer’s dream. Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photos, with the dunes glowing pink, orange, and purple. I stayed through sunset in September, and it was absolutely magical.

6. Stargazing & Night Sky Programs

White Sands is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, which means the stargazing here is next-level. Once the sun sets, the sky comes alive with countless stars sparkling over the dunes. If you can, plan to stay after dark— the park often hosts special night sky programs that are absolutely worth it. If you’d like to stay beyond the regular closing hours on your own, you’ll need to apply for a special permit in advance, as the park gates are strictly enforced.

7. Picnicking on the Dunes

Pack a lunch or dinner and head to one of the park’s picnic areas. With plenty of tables available, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the scenery. Sitting on the white sand with mountains in the distance feels surreal.

FAQs About White Sands National Park

1. Is White Sands National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely! White Sands is unlike any other national park in the U.S. The bright white gypsum dunes make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet. Whether you sled, hike, or just watch the sunset, it’s 100% worth the trip.

Make sure to check the White Sands website before you go! The park sometimes shuts down for missile testing, and the rangers stick to the opening and closing hours. Better to know in advance than show up to locked gates.

2. Can you stay overnight in White Sands National Park?
Not right now. Backcountry camping is closed for site rehabilitation, and there’s no set date for reopening. At the moment, there’s no way to stay overnight inside the park, so most people base themselves in Alamogordo, Las Cruces, or El Paso.

3. How much time do you need at White Sands New Mexico?
You can see the highlights in half a day—drive Dunes Drive, go sledding, and walk a short trail. But if you have a full day, you can hike farther, catch sunset, and maybe join a ranger program. If you’re into photography, plan to stay as long as you can.

4. How much does it cost to visit White Sands?
As of now, entry is $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) to White Sands National Park. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass, entry is free or you can buy one if you are planning to visit more than 3 national park in that year.

5. Can you sled at White Sands National Park?
Yes! Sledding is one of the most popular things to do here. Bring a plastic sled (wax it for more speed) or buy one at the visitor center.

6. Does the sand get hot?
Nope! That’s one of the coolest things about White Sands. The dunes are made of gypsum, which doesn’t absorb heat like regular sand. Even in summer, you can usually walk barefoot comfortably.

7. Is White Sands New Mexico family-friendly?
Totally. Kids love sledding down the dunes, and there are easy trails and boardwalks. Just be sure to bring extra water and sun protection for everyone.

Final Thoughts on Visiting White Sands National Park

Visiting White Sands National Park is one of those experiences that sticks with you long after you leave. I went in September, and standing on top of those glowing white dunes as the sun set behind the mountains felt completely surreal. Photos don’t do it justice—you really have to be there to feel the soft gypsum under your feet, watch the colors shift across the desert, and maybe even sled down a dune like a kid again.

If you’re planning a trip, I’d recommend spring or fall for the better weather, but honestly, White Sands is beautiful year-round. Just remember to pack smart, bring plenty of water, and carve out time for both sunset and stargazing—they’re the real showstoppers here.

The park is deceptively big, and hiking through dunes is more tiring than it looks. Pace yourself, bring plenty of water, and plan your day around sunrise and sunset for the most memorable experience.

Whether you’re road-tripping through New Mexico, flying into El Paso for a quick getaway, or adding it to a longer Southwest adventure, White Sands National Park deserves a spot on your bucket list. It’s one of the most unique national parks in the U.S., and once you visit, you’ll understand why people keep coming back.

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Happy exploring! 🌵✨

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