White Sands National Park might be one of the most extraterrestrial places in the entire National Park Service. Located in New Mexico, this gem of the Southwest will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a barren alien planet. Though only recently earning its National Park designation, its beauty and magnificence span tens of thousands of years. In this White Sands National Park guide, we share what you need to know, as well as my experience exploring the white sand dunes!
About White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is a true one-of-a-kind destination. The rolling dunes of sparking sand rise from the Tularosa Basin, forming the world’s largest gypsum dunefield. In the distance are the San Andres and the Sacramento Mountains, accenting this unique landscape.
Visitors have many opportunities to experience the 275-square-mile park. There are a variety of hikes, ranging from easy and accessible trails to paths that lead deep into the dunes. You can also bicycle or drive along Dunes Drive, exploring and taking photos along the way. Those looking for a more unique activity can sled down the sandy slopes. No matter your age, activity level, or outdoor experience, you’ll find beauty and inspiration visiting White Sands National Park.
History
The white gypsum dunes have existed for 7,000 to 10,000 years, long before any government designation. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that its protection was seriously considered. Tom Charles, a resident of the nearby town of Alamogordo, is widely considered the father of the park and was its most notable supporter. He petitioned for the park’s creation and in 1933, President Herbert Hoover declared White Sands National Monument under the Antiquities Act of 1906. Its opening day ceremony on April 29, 1934, brought 4,000 visitors, and many more continued to flock to experience the glistening dunes. To help accommodate its growing popularity, infrastructure projects such as visitor centers, restrooms, and administrative offices were constructed. Finally, on December 20, 2019, President Donald J. Trump redesignated the monument, creating White Sands National Park, the 62nd park in the National Park System.
Military Presence
In 1942 amid World War II, President Roosevelt created the Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, allowing the military to conduct activity inside the monument. Missile tests started three years later, resulting in temporary park closures. On July 9, 1945, the White Sands Proving Ground was established. Then, seven days later, the first atomic bomb was detonated approximately 60 miles north of the park. Today, the Holloman Air Force Base stands in place of the now-shut-down Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range, and the White Sands Proving Ground is now known as the White Sands Missle Range. Military activity still continues in the area today.
Getting to White Sands National Park
El Paso International Airport, about 100 miles south of White Sands National Park, is the easiest and most convenient choice for people flying in. Albuquerque International Sunport and Santa Fe Regional Airport are other options about 250 miles north of the park.
If you’re looking to spend some time in the area, you have a few choices. Alamogordo is the closest city to the park, located about 15 miles away. There you’ll find plenty of lodging and dining options. For better amenities and a more vibrant city, check out Las Cruces, located about 50 miles southwest of the park.
It costs $25 per private vehicle to enter the park, and is good for seven days. Alternatively, the America the Beautiful interagency pass is also accepted.
When to Visit White Sands National Park
Your experience will vary depending on when you plan on visiting White Sands National Park. Keep in mind that aside from special occasions, gates open at 7 AM and close 30 minutes after sunset. Additionally, the park will close for up to three hours at a time during military tests. Visit the military testing closure page for more information.
Spring
Spring at White Sands National Park is beautiful. Not only is the weather comfortable, but you might have the opportunity to see wildflower blooms. Witnessing the pops of color against the white sand is truly a sight to behold. Expect crowds though, and this season tends to be the busiest of the year.
Summer
Summers can get hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. If you choose to come during these months, make sure to bring plenty of water and pack sun protection. Aim for an early morning or late afternoon visit to escape the worst of the heat.
The summer is great if you’re trying to take advantage of one of the ranger-led moonlight hikes. You’ll get to experience the park in a way few others get to, hiking under the light of the full moon.
Fall
Fall is another great season for visiting White Sands National Park. The summer heat has gone, giving you ample opportunities to comfortably explore the park. You also can experience the White Sands Balloon Invitational in Alamogordo and see colorful hot air balloons dot the sky.
Winter
You can’t go wrong visiting the park in the winter. The weather is mild and you likely won’t run into any crowds, allowing you to comfortably explore the landscape. The only downside is that sunset comes earlier than the rest of the year, so make sure you plan your day accordingly.
Recreation Opportunities
White Sands National Park is a magical landscape—here’s a guide of the different recreational opportunities you can take advantage of.
Hiking is one of the most popular ways to get up close to the dunes. There are five trails that vary in difficulty. For an easy, family-friendly trail try the Interdune Boardwalk. This 0.4-mile hike on a raised platform features various interpretive signs and showcases beautiful views of the sand dunes and the Sacramento Mountains. If you’re looking for a bigger adventure head to the Alkali Flat Trail. Instead of following a defined path, you’ll connect the dots between diamond trail markers as you navigate your way up, down, and through the rolling sand dunes.
If you’re looking for a more leisurely experience, drive along Dunes Drive. This 16-mile scenic drive through the heart of White Sands National Park will guide you to the middle of the dunefield. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop, take pictures, and enjoy the view. For the extra ambitious, you can ride your bicycle along this route.
One of the most unique things you can do in the park is go sledding. If you don’t have a sled, the visitor center has many you can rent or purchase. Popular sledding locations include the Alkalki Flat Trailhead and the Roadrunner Picnic Area.
Unfortunately, there is no overnight camping in the park. While backcountry camping was an option in the past, it’s currently closed for rehabilitation with no opening date.
Looking to make the most out of your time visiting White Sands National Park? Then check out our article all about everything you need to know visiting the national parks!
An Afternoon Hiking Among the Dunes at White Sands National Park
On a recent road trip through the Southwest, my friends and I made a stop at White Sands National Park. We had spent the previous several hours cooped up in a car and were ready to stretch our legs. After a quick snack in Alamogordo, we entered the park and drove along Dunes Drive, taking in the walls of white sand surrounding us before finally reaching our hike.
Hiking the Alkali Flat Trail
It was still hot outside when we applied sunscreen, filled up our water bottles, laced up our shoes, and started on the five-mile Alkali Flat Trail.
Though we were all experienced hikers, this trail was unlike any other we’d experienced. Without a defined path, we instead followed trail markers poking out of the sand. Which we were grateful for, as without them it would be almost impossible to know where we were going. Also, constantly hiking over sand dunes was surprisingly difficult—it’s easy to underestimate this trail.
Hiking from dune to dune, we saw several plants that surprisingly seemed to thrive in this hostile environment. We made several detours to check them out up close, making sure to keep the trail markers in our sightline. However, we mostly just walked and soaked up the otherworldly expanse all around us. The glistening white sand dunes spread out for miles everywhere, creating a truly beautiful yet desolate landscape. And to the west, we soaked in stunning vistas of the San Andreas Mountains, accenting this already breathtaking landscape. I reminded myself several times to pause and take in everything I was experiencing – I wanted to remember the feeling of complete awe that this landscape had given me.
Finally, we returned to our cars thirsty and with sandy feet. However, we completely filled our souls, touched by the beauty and stoicism of the sand dunes.
We hope that our White Sands National Park guide will make your trip to this southwest gem a breeze! It’s a one-of-a-kind landscape that you can’t truly grasp until you see it for yourself. If you’re ready to embark on your next outdoor adventure, please reach out! We at GoForth are experts at turning your outdoor dreams into a reality. Click on the button below to learn more about our offerings, and contact us if you’re ready to take the first step toward a life outdoors!
