White Sands National Park Travel Guide (Updated December 31, 2025)
White Sands National Park in New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin features the world’s largest gypsum dune field—275 square miles of surreal, blinding-white sands. This underrated gem offers wave-like dunes, cool-to-the-touch sand, and dramatic light changes from dawn to starry nights.
History & Science
Ancient seas evaporated, leaving gypsum deposits. With no drainage outlet, winds sculpted these into shifting dunes. Gypsum reflects sunlight (stays cool) and holds moisture.
Getting There
- Closest Airports: El Paso (TX, ~1.5 hours); Albuquerque (~3.5 hours).
- By Car: US Hwy 70 from Alamogordo (east) or Las Cruces (west). Pass border patrol checkpoint (have ID ready).
- No Public Transport: Rent a car essential.
Fees & Passes (2025)
- Vehicle: $25 (7 days).
- Motorcycle: $20.
- Per Person (foot/bike): $15.
- Free for kids under 16.
- America the Beautiful Pass accepted.
- Pay at entrance or online via Recreation.gov.
Special Programs (extra fees, book ahead):
- Moonlight Hikes (March-November, near full moon): ~$10 adult/$5 youth.
- Lake Lucero Tours, Sunrise Photography: Similar fees.
Hours & Closures
Open year-round, 7 AM to ~1 hour after sunset (varies seasonally). Occasional short closures (1-3 hours) for missile tests at adjacent White Sands Missile Range—check nps.gov/whsa for updates.
Backcountry Camping (2025 Update)
Currently closed indefinitely for trail/site rehabilitation—no permits issued. Check NPS site for reopening.
When open: 10 primitive sites (first-come, first-served; arrive early). ~$3/person + entrance. Hike 0.4-1.1 miles; pack everything in/out. Primitive—no facilities.
Nearby alternatives in Alamogordo or Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.
Where to Stay (Alamogordo Base)
- Budget: Satellite Inn.
- Midrange: Quality Inn.
- Splurge: Holiday Inn Express.
Things to Do
- Hike Dunes → Marked trails or off-trail (stay oriented—winds erase tracks).
- Sledding → Rent/buy saucers at visitor center; wax for speed.
- Picnics & Photography → Covered tables; epic sunrises/sunsets.
- Stargazing → Incredible Milky Way views (low light pollution).
- Ranger Programs → Moonlight hikes, talks.
Tips & Safety
- Bring plenty of water (no sources in dunes).
- Sunscreen/hat essential—intense reflection.
- Temperatures swing wildly (hot days, cold nights).
- Dogs allowed on leash.
- Check missile test closures.
White Sands delivers otherworldly beauty—perfect half-day or overnight. Questions? Ask below!