✨To better understand and appreciate the whiteness of the sand, I suggest turning up the brightness on your device, especially when viewing videos. This will help you better understand the stunning landscape of White Sands National Park. Enjoy the mesmerizing views!✨
One of my favorite National Parks, White Sands National Park, is unlike any place I’ve visited. I loved it so much that I eagerly returned almost exactly one year later, this time bringing along my seven-year-old daughter. Simple yet majestic, the sand is as white as snow and practically blinding, creating the illusion of being transported to a vast, snow-covered planet. I highly suggest bringing sunglasses, as almost everyone wore them, us included, even on overcast days. As you approach from the highway and initially enter the park, you see the white sand dotted with shrubbery, but you can’t fully grasp the true beauty that lies inside. The massive rolling white sand dunes, surrounded by mountains, don’t reveal themselves until you’ve driven a bit further into the park. The contrast between the stark white sand and the surrounding landscape is truly breathtaking.
Note: I will incorporate photos from both trips interchangeably.
Located in New Mexico, approximately 45 minutes southwest of Las Cruces and 20 minutes northeast of Alamogordo, White Sands National Park sits almost dead center and towards the bottom of the state. The park is easily accessible from many major cities within the southwest region, with El Paso about 1.25 hours away, Albuquerque 3.2 hours away, Amarillo 5.2 hours away, Phoenix 6 hours away, and Colorado Springs 7 hours away.
The park opens daily at 7am, but closing hours vary depending on the time of year. During winter, the park closes at 7pm, during spring at 8pm, and during summer at 9pm. Entry costs $25 per vehicle, with entry fees valid for seven consecutive days starting from the day of purchase. There are several tiers of fees, including those for individuals, motorcycles, and annual passes. Discounts are available for military personnel (both active and veterans), 4th graders, and seniors with passes. For exact dates and prices, it’s best to check the NPS website at https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm.
White Sands is incredibly unique in multiple ways. First, it boasts the largest sand dune composed of gypsum crystals on Earth, a feature so prominent it can even be seen from space. The park encompasses a vast area of 145,762 acres or 227.8 square miles, with dunes reaching heights of up to 60 feet and depths of up to 30 feet. Secondly, White Sands holds the potential distinction of containing the oldest human footprints ever discovered. These footprints were found embedded in a dry lakebed buried beneath the sand. Radiocarbon test results placed them between 23,000 and 21,000 years ago. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the timeline of human migration to North America, which was previously thought to have occurred between 13,000 and 16,000 years ago.
Originally designated as a National Monument in 1933, White Sands was upgraded to a National Park in 2019. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places and the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties in 1988. The park welcomes approximately 780,000 visitors per year. While it wasn’t the most crowded National Park I’ve visited (that honor goes to Zion National Park. and Sequoia National Park: Largest Trees in the World.), it certainly wasn’t the least crowded either (like The Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert. or The Hoh Rainforest of Olympic National Park.). Despite the number of visitors, both times it was relatively easy to find parking and enjoy the sand dunes in peace.
I visited White Sands for the first time in early March of 2023 with my little brother, and returned again in early March of 2024 with my friend and daughter. While I thoroughly enjoyed both visits, a major draw to White Sands the second time was sledding down the sandy white hills, which is permitted along with hiking around the dunes. These activities offer visitors various ways to experience the unique landscape and create unforgettable memories. However, be prepared to bring your own sled! They do not have these for rent or for sale inside the park.
Dunes Drive is a captivating 16-mile (13 km) roundtrip scenic loop that begins at the visitors’ center and delves deep into the dune field. The initial 4 miles are paved, while the subsequent 4 miles consist of hard-packed gypsum sand. The drive itself typically takes around 45 minutes to complete, but it’s advisable to allocate more time if you intend to park and explore. During both of my visits, we spent a little over 2 hours driving and exploring, which felt like an appropriate amount of time. However, one could easily spend much longer hiking along the five established trails or enjoying sledding activities. Additionally, there’s the Interdune Boardwalk, a 0.4-mile round-trip raised boardwalk featuring ten outdoor exhibits along the way. While it’s a fun, quick, and physical limitations-friendly excursion, in my opinion, it does NOT offer the best views of the sand dunes.
Horseback riding is permitted in select areas of the park, but it’s important to note the regulations and restrictions associated with it. Visitors interested in horseback riding must obtain a “day-use horse and other pack animals permit” at the entrance fee station. Additionally, all waste must be cleaned up and disposed of outside the park. Horses are not allowed in designated areas such as the Group Use Area, hiking trails, Interdune Boardwalk, picnic areas, or Backcountry Camping sites. Furthermore, they cannot be ridden on any roadway, including the 4 miles of sand-packed road. As for dogs, they are allowed in the park but must always remain leashed to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors.
It’s crucial to note that White Sands National Park is entirely surrounded by the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range, which conducts routine missile testing. During these tests, the park may be closed for up to 3 hours, and Highway 70 near the base and park may also be blocked. The National Park Service is typically notified of testing dates two weeks in advance, but occasionally they may only receive 24 hours’ notice. Therefore, it’s advisable to double-check the NPS website before planning your visit. The website provides information on park closure dates, including the starting and ending closure times, as well as any roadblocks on Highway 70. Additionally, if you’re traveling from Las Cruces, you’ll need to pass through a border security checkpoint (this is not required when coming from Alamogordo).
Overall, visiting the otherworldly White Sands National Park is an opportunity not to be missed! Its beauty, mesmerizing landscapes, and magnificence are truly unforgettable. I’m immensely grateful for its preservation by the U.S. Government, granting me the ability to visit multiple times, as well as share unforgettable experiences with my daughter, brother, and friend. Situated conveniently close to major U.S. cities and other National Parks and Monuments, it’s an ideal addition to any New Mexico or American Southwest road trip itinerary. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the largest sand dune in the world!
