Visitor Essentials
Welcome to White SandsImagine a place so surreal that it looks like a lunar dreamscape but feels like a sunbaked beach-with no ocean in sight.
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White Sands National Park Points of Interest & Stops
Browse points of interest in White Sands National Park, including overlooks, trailheads, waterfalls, visitor centers, and other stops that help shape a stronger park itinerary.
Best Stops and Park POIs in White Sands National Park
Use this White Sands National Park POI collection to compare stops, prioritize landmarks, and decide which places belong on the route before you open the map or start a trip plan.
Visitor Essentials
Park Hours & Seasonal AccessWhite Sands is open year-round, but timing your visit can make all the difference. Gates open daily at 7:00 AM, with closing times shifting seasonally to match sunset.
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Visitor Essentials
Fees, Passes & Entry RequirementsWhite Sands requires an entrance fee, with a standard vehicle pass costing $25 and granting access for seven consecutive days.
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Visitor Essentials
Where to Stay: Lodging & RentalsThe park does not have lodging within the park, but nearby towns offer a variety of accommodations, from budget motels to upscale stays and unique vacation rentals.
Visitor Essentials
Food & Shopping in the White SandsThe park has no on-site dining or shopping, but nearby Alamogordo and Las Cruces offer plenty of options for meals, supplies, and souvenirs.
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Visitor Essentials
Cell Service & ConnectivityThe park offers a serene escape into nature, but visitors should be prepared for limited connectivity. Cellular service within the park is notably unreliable, with the National Park Service advising against relying on mobile phones due to spotty coverage.
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Visitor Essentials
Fueling Up: Gas & EV Charging StationsBefore heading into White Sands, ensuring your vehicle is fueled up is essential.
Visitor Essentials
Weather & Seasonal ConditionsThe park experiences a diverse range of weather conditions throughout the year. Understanding these seasonal variations is essential for visitors to plan a safe and enjoyable trip.
Visitor Essentials
Staying Safe in the White SandsWhite Sands may look like a peaceful desert wonderland, but its beauty comes with challenges.
Visitor Essentials
Visiting with PetsBringing your furry friend to White Sands can be a fun and memorable experience, but it's important to follow park guidelines to keep both pets and wildlife safe.
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Visitor Essentials
Accessibility & Inclusive TravelWhite Sands is committed to ensuring that all visitors, regardless of ability, can fully experience its breathtaking landscapes.
Visitor Essentials
Park Contacts & Social MediaNeed info? Call the Visitor Center at (575) 479-6124, or follow @WhiteSandsNPS on Facebook,
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Plan Your Visit
Best Times to Visit White SandsWhite Sands is a breathtaking destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.
Plan Your Visit
Avoiding Crowds & Insider TipsWhite Sands is a mesmerizing destination, but its popularity means that careful planning is key to finding moments of solitude among the dunes.
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Plan Your Visit
Getting Here: Directions & TransportationThe park, located in southern New Mexico, is a breathtaking destination known for its vast, shimmering dunes.
Plan Your Visit
White Sands ItinerariesWhite Sands offers a variety of experiences depending on how much time you have.
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Plan Your Visit
Events & Seasonal HighlightsWhite Sands hosts a variety of events throughout the year, celebrating its unique landscape and cultural history.
Things to Do
Driving Dunes DriveDriving Dunes Drive at White Sands National Park offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of the world's largest gypsum dunefield.
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Things to Do
Hiking in the White SandsWhite Sands offers a unique hiking experience across its vast gypsum dunes, with five trails showcasing different aspects of this surreal landscape.
Things to Do
Sledding in White SandsSledding at White Sands is a one-of-a-kind experience, replacing icy slopes with soft, rolling dunes of white gypsum sand.
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Things to Do
BicyclingCycling at White Sands is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering riders the chance to pedal through a vast gypsum dunefield on the park's hard-packed sand road.
Things to Do
Photography in White SandsWhite Sands offers an ever-changing landscape that makes it a dream destination for photographers.
Things to Do
Ranger ProgramsWhite Sands offers a variety of ranger-led programs that bring the park's unique landscape to life through guided hikes, educational talks, and hands-on activities.
Things to Do
Picnicking in White SandsPicnicking at White Sands is a truly unique experience, where visitors can enjoy a meal surrounded by endless waves of white gypsum dunes.
