I hate the beach, and it’s mostly the sand to blame. The stuff gets everywhere it shouldn’t be, and good luck getting all of those tiny grains out of your car seat cushions after a particularly aggressive day at the beach.
The problem is, I love seeing the best of the United States, and the best is often found in its national parks. When I saw we’d be within spitting range of White Sands National Park on a New Mexico road trip, seeing those sparkling sands became a need, not a want.
Is White Sands National Park worth it? After spending a day in the park exploring the best trails and participating in the ancient tradition of sandboarding, I’d say this park is definitely worth visiting.
Go ahead and add it to your New Mexico bucket list already. Let’s get into why.
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Is White Sands National Park worth it?
White Sands National Park is worth it just to see those shimmering sands. The park’s sands cover an area of 275 square miles in the desert, so it’s easy to find your own patch to discover.
This is also one of the best places in the United States to try your skills in sandboarding. While it may not actually require much skill, it does require you to leave some of your shame at the foot of that sand dune.
You may look ridiculous, but that’s part of the fun.
What is so special about the White Sands National Park?
White Sands National Park in New Mexico is home to the world’s largest gypsum field. That’s a big part of what makes this park in the Tularosa Basin so special.
Gypsum is a type of mineral that can break down into fine, powdery sand. The gypsum you’ll see at the park is a blend of two types of gypsum, gypsum sand and selenite crystals.
That combo is what causes those white sand dunes to sparkle as they do.
Fun fact: Gypsum has many other uses outside of creating scenic vistas in national parks. You’ll find different types in medicines, paint, crayons, mead, and baked goods. In the United States, it’s a main ingredient in drywall, which does make me question the aforementioned baked goods.
White Sands is also one of the country’s newest national parks. It went by White Sands National Monument until 2019 when it was designated an official park. It makes sense.
This is New Mexico’s most-visited national park site.
How long should you spend at White Sands National Park?
You should spend at least half a day at White Sands National Park. That should give you enough time to hike some of the park’s hiking trails without a rush and try sandboarding or sand sledding.
A full day could allow you time for ranger hikes in the park, some off-the-beaten-path hiking, and more sandboarding or sledding.
I don’t know. Maybe you’ll find your passion out there.
The National Park Service does open and close the gates at this one. You can visit from 7am to about 30 minutes after local sunset, a time that changes throughout the year.
It’s important that you follow that timetable at this park. White Sands National Park is adjacent to White Sands Missile Range, a military testing ground.
Need I say more?
OK, I will.
Occasionally, the road leading into the park closes from time to time even during hours you may expect it to be open. You’ll want to check out the NPS site before travel to the park just in case you have unfortunate timing around missile testing.
Note: Give your search engine the query, “Is White Sands National Park open?” and you can find your answer that way, too.
What do you do at White Sands National Park?
White Sands National Park isn’t a place with a long list of things to do. It’s more about appreciating this unique landscape and finding your own fun in the sand.
If you’re short on time but able to hike, the Dune Life Nature Trail or Backcountry Camping Trail are both good introductions to the park. Just make sure you bring plenty of water, especially in the warmer months.
Want to see everything I’ll list in visual form? Check out the Google link below:
GIMME MY MAP OF THINGS TO DO AT WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK!
White Sands Visitor Center
I always like leaving enough time on national park visits for a stop at the main visitor center. As long as it’s open, it’s the place to get any lingering questions answered along with more information on guided hikes.
Like most national park visitor centers, this one has a modest exhibit inside with a short film about the history and geology of the park.
Dunes Drive
Can you just drive through White Sands National Park? You can just drive through White Sands National Park if you stick to Dunes Drive. The scenic drive is eight miles long and takes you through the heart of the gypsum dune field.
I know you’ll want to get out and take a closer look at the sand, though. You’ll find several parking and picnic areas, trailheads, and scenic pullouts along the way.
Playa Trail
Outdoor exhibits line this flat, easy half-mile trail. It’s named as such because it takes you to a playa, or a shallow spot that temporarily fills with water after rains. It was dry during our visit, but I get how that happens.
Dune Life Nature Trail
This trail is across from the Playa Trail. It’s a full mile with some sand dune climbing, but nothing too excessive. It’s a good introduction to the wildlife of the park.
I’m not saying you’ll see any wildlife here, but you can learn about what comes out after dark. That includes kit foxes, pocket gophers, and a variety of lizards and snakes.
We didn’t see a thing other than our own smiling faces as we celebrated getting to the top of each sand dune.
Interdune Boardwalk
This is a boardwalk trail amongst the dunes with a couple of placards for you to read about the wildlife and geology of the park. I preferred getting closer to the sand, but this one is a more accessible approach to trails in the park.
Backcountry Camping Loop Trail
This trail is most popular with backpackers, naturally, but it’s a great adventure into the dunes at a more reasonable distance than the next trail I’ll get into. There were only a few steep hills to climb on this well-marked trail.
As you’re unlikely to find many other travelers here, it’s one of the best spots for White Sands National Park photos.
Alkali Flat Trail
I’m not sure how this trail got its name, but the five-mile trek is NOT a flat hike.
You’ll be hiking up and down the sand dunes on this one, so it’s sure to be a workout. Follow the red trail markers with a diamond symbol if you dare.
I’ll be honest. We skipped this one, but we already had some mileage under our belts from all of the other trails.
My notes on this one during the pre-planning phase literally say, “This sounds terrible, right?!?”
Sandboarding & Sledding
This may be what so many of you are here for.
Our accommodations in Alamogordo had a pair of plastic sleds for us to use, but if you don’t have your own, there are so many shops in town that sell them. If you’re really in a bind, they’re also available in the park’s gift shop.
Note: They’ll get more expensive the closer you get to the park, so it’s best to plan ahead on this if you’re interested.
We also had access to a cube of wax for our sleds, but once we were out there, we realized we had overwaxed our saucers quite a bit. It may be thanks to the subtly icy conditions out there during our winter trip.
I’d recommend giving your sled a go before going hard on the wax.
The experience was very fun, but it was tough work getting up those hills just to hurtle down to the base in a few seconds. We lasted for about a half hour before calling for a snack break.
As far as where you can do the thing, choose dunes with gentle slopes to start. The sand may be soft, but the base isn’t always a nice landing pad for you.
The park recommends the sand dunes at the Roadrunner Picnic Area or the Alkali Flat Trailhead.
We chose the picnic area above ourselves, and didn’t have much competition with others interested in sand sledding. We did see some folks on the way out with sandboards, another option for these hills.
White Sands Picnic Areas
I’m not usually one to nerd out over picnic areas, but the ones set aside for relaxing and snacking at White Sands are pretty great. They’re shaded, even a little futuristic-looking, with elevated grills in case you’re here for a full meal.
There are a total of 62 shaded tables for you to choose from in the park in three different public areas. They’re all first-come, first-served, but we didn’t encounter another soul at our pick when it was sandwich time.
Things to Do Near White Sands National Park
With more time in the area, Alamogordo is worth a visit. I mean, you’ll probably spend a night there at the end of the day, so it’s also pretty convenient.
Start at Pistachioland.
There were no guided tours of the place during our trip because of COVID, but it was fun to see the shop anyway. This was after taking some photos with the giant pistachio outside, of course.
Fun fact: This is the world’s largest pistachio. You’re welcome.
Here are a few more options for things to do near White Sands National Park:
- White Sands Missile Range Museum: I’ve told you all about the missile activity. Learn more about why they do what they do at this museum. Admission is free, but you’ll need proof of registration and insurance for your vehicle at the gate.
- Las Cruces: This New Mexican town is known for its arts scene and downtown. It’s also a great place to get your hands on a variety of chile peppers popular across the state. Arrive in Las Cruces from White Sands in under an hour.
- Three Rivers Petroglyph Site: There are over 21,000 petroglyphs at this site just under an hour from White Sands National Park. What you’ll see here dates back to 200-1450 AD. It’s a big range but that’s how these things go.
White Sands New Mexico FAQs
Is White Sands a national park?
White Sands is a national park, although up until recently it was a national monument. As such, you’ll need to pay a White Sands entrance fee of $25 per vehicle unless you hold an America the Beautiful pass.
Note that the full name is White Sands National Park, not White Sand National Park, White Sand National Monument, or White Sands Monument. This place goes by all kinds of names online, most of which aren’t correct.
How did White Sands get its name?
White Sands got its name from the literal white sands that make this landscape so special. The gypsum gives the sand here a color you won’t get in other deserts. It almost resembles snow more than sand.
Is White Sands National Park safe?
White Sands National Park is generally safe, as long as you’re following national park rules. Follow markers on trails so you don’t get disoriented out there, and protect yourself against dehydration and sunburn. Check the park’s website before you go to be aware of any potential closures due to missile activity.
Can you walk barefoot at White Sands National Park?
You can walk barefoot at White Sands National Park, even in the summer. Gypsum remains cool to the touch all year. That makes this one a good place for pets, too. White Sands is dog-friendly as long as you keep your pets on a leash.
Where to Stay at White Sands National Park
Backcountry camping is usually the only way to stay inside the park, but that option is currently unavailable as the park addresses some lingering safety issues.
I’m not sure what those are, by the way, but follow the park’s website for more if you’re a camper.
At this time, you’re better off at more traditional accommodations near the park on your White Sands National Park tour.
What city is closest to White Sands National Park? Alamogordo is the city closest to White Sands National Park. It’s only about 15 minutes from Alamogordo to White Sands, so it’s close enough to return to the park for programs like Full Moon Night.
We’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in town. Alamogordo has a lot of chain properties for you to choose from, but they’re not all well-reviewed. This one is a popular option for a comfortable stay. While it wasn’t the cheapest option in the area, this seemed like a place I should drop a few more dollars in for a good night’s rest.
Check out more options for accommodations in Alamogordo on the map below:
How do you prepare for White Sands National Park?
To prepare for White Sands National Park, check with the park service to make sure the park is open and pack more water and sunscreen than you think you’ll need.
Other than that, the park can be a yearround destination. We visited the park in the winter and were fine in hats and fleece.
As far as the ideal time to go, White Sands National Park in March and the rest of the spring months is quite pleasant. This is the busiest time in the park, though.
Is White Sands National Park worth seeing?
White Sands National Park is worth seeing for its sparkling white sands and the opportunities to go sand sledding on one of its many dunes.
It’s also an easy add-on if you’re already on a New Mexico road trip, especially if you have your heart set on that giant pistachio. I know I did.
Ready to Visit White Sands National Park?
Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use Skyscanner.
The closest airport to White Sands National Park is El Paso International Airport. El Paso is still about 100 miles from the park. You may have more luck finding deals out of Albuquerque.
Flying into Albuquerque will still mean a drive of about three hours and 30 minutes.
No matter where you’re starting from, you’ll need a car to get to the park. You can rent a car from the airport using an aggregator like Hotwire or Priceline.
I also subscribe to Going, formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights. You’ll get regular deals straight to your inbox on a regular basis, especially to bigger hubs.
Your Accommodations: Scroll up for my recommendations on hotels in Alamogordo, the most convenient town if you want to be close to the park.
I recommend both Booking.com and Hotels.com as your main options. Vrbo is my Airbnb alternative.
Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld. Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.
Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page.
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