Hey there! Are you ready to plan a fabulous trip to White Sands National Park?! Did you know that White Sands is the largest gypsum dune field in the world? You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.
White Sands is a place you will never forget — and likely somewhere you will talk about for years to come. The mystical beauty and serenity of the sparkling white sand is truly enchanting. You may even feel like you’ve been transported into a stunning dream world!
There are some fantastic things to do here. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.
I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored White Sands and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to White Sands, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 5 things is for you.
What You Need to Know About White Sands National Park
- White Sands is a small park. The main road into and out of the points of interest is called the Dunes Drive — it’s only about 16 miles roundtrip to drive the whole road to and from the Visitor Center. For a map of the park, click here.
- Because of its proximity to the White Sands Missile Range, the park is often closed for a few hours at a time during missile testing. Take a look here for more information and a tentative closing schedule.
- There are no lodging options within White Sands National Park (with the exception of some hike-in backcountry campsites), but there are plenty of places to stay in the nearby town of Alamogordo.
- Weather at the dunes is varied and unpredictable. February through May is the windy season and dust storms are common. Summer temperatures can reach over 100 degrees, with dangerous monsoons possible from July through September. Winter temperatures are frequently below freezing. Plan ahead and bring the proper gear to stay safe during your visit!
- This park has opening and closing hours that are strictly enforced. Gates are locked, and vehicles are not admitted into the park during certain times. To see a schedule of the park’s opening and closing times, click here.
I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the sights that make this park so popular, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off the beaten path as well. Let the adventure begin!
Click NEXT to see this awesome list of 5 things you can’t miss on your first visit to White Sands National Park!
Do you offer to step-on guide at White Sands for group bus tours? If not, do you know of any step-on guides for White Sands?
I don’t, sorry!
we will be visiting White Sand in April, wanting to know if we get off the trail, can we walk our dog with us, so we don’t have to leave her in the car?
Yes, you can. You can read through the park’s pet policy here: https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/pets.htm
Just wondering if the end of June would be too hot to go? Thank you!
It will probably be around 100 degrees during those summer months, so it’s not the most popular season to visit the park. You can go, but it will be hot!
Hi! Do we need to reserve spot to have sunset with ranger? What time is sunset on first day of May? If park close at 7 pm Thank you
You can get all that info here: https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/sunset-stroll.htm Enjoy!
Love to go but Over an hour out of the way on our journey to Phoenix. Is there any other place about 30 minutes sw of the national park where we could see and experience the white sands?
Not that I’m aware of…I haven’t seen anything that compares to the beauty you’ll find in the park!
Hi, and thank you for all your insights, is it really freezing during the day In January? As I would like to visit mid January.
January is usually pretty nice during the day (50-degree temps), but really cold at night. Sometimes it snows, but typically not enough to last very long. I think it’s a good option!
Hi,
Thanks for sharing some tips.
Which is the best trail I should take to get the nice undisturbed sand dunes “waves”. Most dunes nearby picnic or parking area mostly have been disturbed.
Thanks
The Alkali Flat Trail or a smaller parking area along the Dunes Drive. We have no problem getting those wavy photos by hiking just a little further than everyone else. Most people stay close to their cars.
Sleding sounds like a lot of fun, “But” In my opinion I don’t think the necessary wax is good for the fragile enviorment. I would have to sacrifice a little fun for the sake of this gem of a landscape.
That’s a good point! Rangers are always researching our effect on the parks…I wonder if anyone’s looked into that?
We are planning on going during our spring break, at the very end of March 2021. I have read that there can be windstorms during that time. Do the windstorms last all day/evening? Are they more likely to occur during the morning, afternoon, evening?
Thanks!
Yes, we almost always encounter heavy winds as we travel the southwest in the spring! Afternoons are usually worse than mornings, but they can happen at any time of day.
FYI,
I thought I read that there was some type of land exchange and agreement with the government and the park dose not close anymore for missile training so of the new NP status.
I think there are some arrangements being made, but as of right now the closures are still happening. I’m not sure what will change/if anything now that it has become a national park. I’ll be sure to update the information here if anything changes. Thanks!
May I know do you need a 4-wheel
Drive to go here, coming from california (fwy 10 east bound). Can i just use a regular sedan? Also outside the national park is there any thing worth checking out?
White Sands is located along a main highway, so no 4WD needed. Have fun!
Thank you for the useful information. Are there weekend passes if I want to take pictures at different times of the weekend? What do you suggest of I want pics of the sunrise, during the day and also at sunset?
Passes are typically good for 7 days. The park is beautiful at sunrise and sunset, but I’d suggest driving out into the dunes area and then getting out of your vehicle and hiking away from people!
Hi! I want to go in December for a phone shoot with my Fiance. Will it be feasible? Or too cold? Also are there nice sunsets then?
It’s a little on the cold side, but definitely still doable…just keep an eye on the weather as it gets closer. Sunsets are awesome out there! Have a great time!