Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin in southern New Mexico, White Sands is the world's largest gypsum dune field, 275 square miles of glistening white sand that shifts and sparkles like snow. Hike, sled, or simply watch the dunes glow at sunset, and discover the hardy plants and animals that have adapted to this dazzling, otherworldly landscape.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
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
Entrance Fees
- $25 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $15 – Entrance - Per Person
- $20 – Entrance - Motorcycle
Weather
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.
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 way to explore White Sands.
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 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.
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 Alkali Flat.
Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead
The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area has some of the tallest dunes to go sledding at White Sands.
Getting There
Address: 19955 Hwy 70 W 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.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Backcountry Camping
10 sites · $3/night
Due to rehabilitation of camping sites, backcountry camping is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter White Sands National Park?
The entrance fee for White Sands National Park is $25. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
When is White Sands National Park open?
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
What are the best things to do in White Sands National Park?
Popular things to do in White Sands National Park include Hiking Dune Life Nature Trail, Sledding at the Roadrunner Picnic Area, Hiking the Playa Trail, Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in White Sands National Park?
Yes — White Sands National Park has 1 campground, including Backcountry Camping. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.