Alert: Digital Passes Now Available

National Park

White Sands

White dunes in foreground with sun setting behind mountain.
Sunsets are one of the most popular times to visit White Sands. Visitors can experience sunset every day of the year. NPS Photo

Overview

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.

State: NM5754796124

Hours

  • Sunday: 7:00AM - Sunset
  • Monday: 7:00AM - Sunset
  • Tuesday: 7:00AM - Sunset
  • Wednesday: 7:00AM - Sunset
  • Thursday: 7:00AM - Sunset
  • Friday: 7:00AM - Sunset
  • Saturday: 7:00AM - Sunset

Fees & Passes

  • Entrance - Private Vehicle:  25.00

    Per vehicle fee is charged to visitors for entry by a single, private non-commercial vehicle. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.


  • Entrance - Per Person:  15.00

    Per person fee is charged to visitors for entry by means other than a single, private non-commercial vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who enter the park by walking and bicycling. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.


  • Entrance - Motorcycle:  20.00

    Entrance fees are valid for entry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.


  • Commercial Entrance - Van:  50.00

    Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).


  • Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus:  60.00

    Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).


  • Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach:  150.00

    Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).


Map

Things To Do

Category

6 Results
    White sand dune in front of plant-spotted interdune with mountains on horizon

    Hiking Dune Life Nature Trail

    Free

    Description

    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.

    More info
    Pet FriendlyTime:45-60 Minutes
    two picnic shelters with metal toppers sit in front of a tall white dune

    Sledding at the Roadrunner Picnic Area

    Free

    Description

    The Roadrunner Picnic area is an excellent place to go sledding with friends and family at White Sands National Park.

    More info
    Pet Friendly
    Close up view of plant with light green leaves and purple and white flowers

    Hiking the Playa Trail

    Free

    Description

    This short, level, family-friendly trail leads to a small playa.

    More info
    Pet FriendlyTime:15-30 Minutes
    A pink sky at dusk over an interdune area

    Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail

    Free

    Description

    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.

    More info
    Pet FriendlyTime:2-3 Hours
    Two people silhouetted on top of a white dune with blue sky overhead

    Hiking Alkali Flat Trail

    Free

    Description

    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.

    More info
    Pet FriendlyTime:3-5 Hours
    sitting on top of a white dune with dunes stretching to the horizon. A trailhead sign seen below.

    Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead

    Free

    Description

    The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area has some of the tallest dunes to go sledding at White Sands.

    More info
    Pet Friendly

More Images

White dunes in foreground with sun setting behind mountain.
White dunes in foreground with sun setting behind mountain.
Aerial of white sand dunes.
Aerial of white sand dunes.
Close up view of ripples on a dune.
Close up view of ripples on a dune.
Cottonwood trees with orange leaves.
Cottonwood trees with orange leaves.
Grey shadows on dunes.
Grey shadows on dunes.