White Sands National Park

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

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.

At the park

• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature

Shows and experiences

• Junior Ranger program

Events

• Dunes Discovery Morning Hike
• Drop in Ranger Talk
• Sunset Stroll
• Full Moon Night Concert - Randy Granger
• Moonlight Hike
• Lake Lucero Tour

Before you go

Limits

Service animals are allowed in all park facilities and on all park trails unless closed by order of the superintendent

Getting there

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.

Weather & when to go

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.

History

Opened

1933

Heritage status

Listed heritage / protected status

• Park opened