White Sands National Park

Click the above video poster image to explore White Sands National Park with our comprehensive travel guide! This video offers an in-depth overview, including where it is, and information and tips for visiting including hours and what to expect while visiting White Sands National Park in New Mexico. We include unique images and videos of White Sands. At the end we cover a unique road trip stop we made along the way from Albuquerque to Alamogordo at Pistachio Land. Every road tripper should s top to rest their legs and pick up some unique gifts, snacks and even some local wine. Inspiring travel and providing information to help you have a great trip

White Sands is otherworldly: a sea of blinding-white gypsum dunes that squeak underfoot and glow pink and blue at sunrise/sunset. It’s wildly photogenic and incredibly fun—bring (or rent) a plastic saucer and sled the slopes, then wander short waymarked trails or drive the Dunes Drive right into the heart of the dunefield. On bright days the sand reflects most sunlight, so it’s dazzlingly bright and cooler underfoot than typical silica dunes—great for families, photographers, and anyone chasing a bucket-list Southwest landscape.

Getting to White Sands National Park requires some driving. White Sands is located in the southern area of New Mexico and it is relatively remote and a fair distance from major cities:

• El Paso, Texas: About 90 miles (145 kilometers) southeast of White Sands. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive.
• Albuquerque, New Mexico: Roughly 220 miles (355 kilometers) northwest of White Sands. The drive time from Albuquerque to White Sands National Park takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
• Santa Fe, New Mexico: Approximately 260 miles (420 kilometers) north of White Sands. The drive takes about 4.5 to 5 hours.
• Las Cruces, New Mexico: About 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of White Sands. It takes roughly 1 hour to drive.
• Tucson, Arizona: Around 230 miles (370 kilometers) west of White Sands. The drive takes approximately 4 hours.
• Could I fly to visit White Sands National Park?

  Yes, you can fly to White Sands National Park by flying into a nearby airport and driving the rest of the way. The closest major airport is El Paso International Airport (ELP) in El Paso, Texas, which is about 102 miles from the park, or Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport (ALM) which is about 35 miles away.

This was day 4 of our Southwest Road-Trip and today's plan is to drive the 209 miles from our hotel in Albuquerque to Alamogordo, NM. We drove from Albuquerque and visited White Sands in the early afternoon. Just before entering Alamogordo, we saw McGinn's Pistachio Land Farm and decided to stop and check it out.

The large pistachio statue outside Pistachio Land in Alamogordo, New Mexico, is a notable attraction and serves as a popular photo spot. This giant pistachio sculpture is approximately 30 feet (9 meters) in length. It’s designed to resemble an oversized pistachio nut, complete with a realistic, textured surface. It certainly captured our attention.

We’d never heard of Pistachio Land and we’re delighted to say that the pistachio farm was much more than we expected. Not only did they have a giant pistachio sculpture out front but they carried a wide range of pistachio products, gifts, and even ice cream. Some of the best pistachio ice cream we’ve had. It was the perfect stop after a long drive. They even sell local wines and have a wine-tasting area!

The McGinn family started their 90 acre pistachio orchard in 1980. Today, the orchard contains over 12,500 trees. 14 acres of grapes are also grown at Pistachio Tree Ranch and 18 different varieties of wine are made at McGinn's Arena Blanca Winery on site.

We purchased a variety of pistachio nuts and even a few bottles of wine. Including the Alamogordo red and a bottle of the Loco Seco Pinot Grigio. When taking long road trips like this we prefer to have snacks available and some wine for hotel evenings is a fantastic way to avoid paying the high price of wine at restaurants.

Our first sight of White Sands National Park was somewhere after we passed Three Rivers and before we reached Tularosa. The sand is so incredibly white, that it stood out distinctly on the horizon. After Tularosa and all the way into Alamogordo the White Sands were always visible on the horizon.

The visitor center itself is a national historic district. It was developed during the Great Depression of the 1930s as a job creation effort and is designed in Pueblo Revival style. It offers exhibits and a movie about the park. They are worth watching to get the most information about how the dunes were formed and the animals that live there and how some have become lighter over time which reflects the heat and keeps them cooler and hides them better. We found it fascinating and watched the entire thing.

During our visit we were not allowed to visit the entire length of the dunes drive due to the fact that it was closed due to a missile incident. White Sands Missile Range surrounds the park and active missile testing still takes place there. It is not uncommon for the closures to average twice a week for a few hours. In our case, it was completely closed off except for the first stop which allowed us to check out the Dunes Life Nature Trail. The trail is a 1 mile long loop trail.

Even though it was mid-May, it was very warm when we arrived. We could feel the heat radiating from the dunes as soon as we started walking the trail from the parking lot and by the time we crested the first dune we realized that planning to be there earlier in the morning would have been a good idea. It was kind of like sitting in a frying pan or maybe it is our age and we are more sensitive to the heat, I’m not sure.

Tip: we recommend planning your visit outside of the hottest times of the day. It seems obvious but the difference between the air temperature in the dunes and the surrounding areas can be noticeable, with the dunes often experiencing the upper end of the temperature range due to their reflective properties and the heat absorbed from the sun.

Tip: There are no services at the dunes once you leave the visitors center so make sure to bring your own food and water. You MUST carry water even when going just a short distance and sun screen is very important to avoid getting burned. It can occur very quickly in the dessert sand.

Even though we couldn’t see a portion of the park we found it to be a fascinating visit. Our earth is a fascinating place and learning about how such a unique desert was formed and the life that evolved to live in this area is a powerful reminder of the incredible diversity and resilience of life on Earth.

 Scenic Drive

• Dunes Drive: An 8-mile (13 km) scenic drive that winds through the heart of the dunes, offering multiple pull-offs where visitors can stop, explore, and take photos. The road is paved for the first 5 miles, with the remaining section being a packed gypsum road.

 Hiking - there are several hiking trails at the park

• Dune Life Nature Trail: A 1-mile (1.6 km) loop trail that offers interpretive signs about the plants and animals that inhabit the dunes. It's a great introduction to the park’s ecology.
• Playa Trail: A short, easy hike that leads to a seasonal lakebed (playa) and offers insights into the geology of the area.
• Alkali Flat Trail: A more challenging 5-mile (8 km) round-trip hike that takes you across the heart of the dunes to the edge of the alkali flat. This trail is marked by posts, but hikers should be prepared for soft sand and bring plenty of water.
• Interdune Boardwalk: A short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that provides a view of the dunes and information about the local flora and fauna.

 Sand Sledding

• Sledding on the Dunes: One of the most popular activities at White Sands. Visitors can bring their own sleds or purchase/rent plastic sleds at the visitor center. The gypsum sand is softer and smoother than typical beach sand, making for a fun and unique sledding experience. This is an excellent idea if you have children along to make them more interested in exploring the dunes. However, be aware that walking up the dunes to sled down can take a lot out of you and your children. So be prepared to keep them hydrated and take rests. It’s also not exactly like snow sledding. The sand isn’t slippery like snow so it can be a bit awkward getting down the hill.
• The park website has more information about the best places to sled, click here to visit that page.
• Tip: It’s cheaper to purchase a sled in Alamogordo if money is an issue.

 Ranger Programs

• Guided Hikes and Talks: Rangers offer a variety of guided programs, including full moon hikes, sunset strolls, and interpretive talks that explore the park’s natural and cultural history.
• Junior Ranger Program: A fun and educational program for kids that involves completing activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge.

 How to get to White Sands National Park?

 What is the best time to visit White Sands?

Visiting in the Spring or Fall will give you the best temperatures, however, you should avoid Spring Break and Easter weeks when the park can be crowded. As we previously mentioned it was already getting very hot by Mid-May so try March and April. In the winter the temperatures can rise to about 50 or 60 degrees fahrenheit during the day but will get cold at night. It will be very quiet at this time. The summer is the peak travel time but will also likely have temperatures above 100 degrees.

 What are the visiting hours at White Sands?

• The park is typically open from 7:00 AM to sunset.
• As mentioned earlier there can be park closings due to nearby missile testing.
• The visitor center is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Always check the park website for more specific details and closings.

 What are the fees when visiting White Sands?

• You may use your America the Beautiful National Park pass or Annual National Park Pass if you have one. We highly recommend getting one if you plan to visit several parks. If you don’t have a pass you can purchase one when you get there or purchase a one-day standard pass. The one-day pass is based on your method of arrival.
• By car: $25 per car load. This includes everyone in the car.
• By motorcyce: $20.
• By bicycle or on foot: $15.

 What to bring when visiting White Sands?

• Water and Food: Lots and lots of water! Also bring snacks and food to prevent low blood sugar and to help keep the body cool.
• Hiking Shoes: It is difficult to walk in the sand. We didn’t walk very far but if you do plan to walk any distance appropriate hiking shoes will help as the sand is soft and you sink in as you go. Be prepared for sore calves if you don’t frequently walk in the sand.

 Are pets allowed at White Sands National Park?

• Yes, pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners should also ensure their pets stay hydrated and avoid hot surfaces, especially in the summer.

 How hot does it get in White Sands National Park?

• In summer, temperatures can exceed 100°F (37°C) during the day, while nights can be much cooler. Visitors are advised to bring water and protect themselves from the sun. The ambient air temperature can feel much hotter, 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer, due to the radiant heat from the reflective sand and the lack of shade.
• In winter, daytime temperatures at White Sands National Park are generally mild, typically ranging from 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C). However, temperatures can vary, and during cold spells, they may drop to the low 40s°F (around 5°C). Overnight, temperatures often fall below freezing, averaging between 20°F and 30°F (-6°C to -1°C).

 Park Hours:

Open daily year-round except Thanksgiving & Christmas; hours vary by season—verify day-of.

 Missile-range closures:

The park’s only road into the dunes (Dunes Drive) can close for ~up to 3 hours during White Sands Missile Range tests; check alerts/closures before you head out because these types of closures occur with little notice, sometimes with only 24 hours or less, or even on the day of the test.

 Dunes Drive basics:

16-mile round-trip scenic drive from the Visitor Center with pull-outs, vault toilets, trails, and picnic areas. Allow at least 45 minutes not counting stops.

 Sledding:

Waxed plastic saucers work best; rent or buy at the park gift shop (White Sands Trading) or bring your own. Choose gentle slopes with a flat run-out to avoid injuries.

 Drones:

Launching/landing/operating drones is prohibited anywhere in the park (also restricted airspace).

 Sun & safety:

The white gypsum reflects ~80% of the sun’s rays—use hats, sunscreen, long sleeves; carry plenty of water and mind the wind/sand.

 Maps & Other Info:

• National Park Service Page for White Sands National Park:
• Google Map for White Sands National Park:

 Wind & Brightness

You should carry sunglasses/eye protection on windy days - keep in mind that the white gypsum dunes reflect a lot of light.

• National Park Service Page for White Sands National Park
• White Sands National Park Wikipedia Article
• Get Your Guide White Sands National Park Audio Tour
• White Sands National Park Google Images Set
• White Sands National Park on Amazon
• Google Reviews for "White Sands National Park"
• Our YouTube Channel

 

 

In the trip menu list below, a "dark filled circle" represents a destination where we stayed, and the "dark filled arrow" items below that circle location, represent the destinations we visited while in that city or location. A circle icon that is not filled represents a city that we visited or stayed in, but did not necessarily explore.

Click any link below to go directly to that page;

 Trip Overview Page

 Albuquerque, NM

• Sandia Peak Tramway
• Petroglyph National Monument
• Old-Town Albuquerque
• National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

 Alamogordo, NM

• McGinn's PistachioLand Farm
• White Sands National Park

 Carlsbad, NM

• Tunnel Vista Observation Site
• Trestle Depot Recreation Area
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park

 Roswell, NM

• International UFO Museum

 Santa Fe, NM

• Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, NM
• Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, NM
• Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, NM
• Bradbury Science Museum - Los Alamos, NM
• Los Alamos, NM
• Bandelier National Monument, NM
• Nambé Falls, NM
• Meow Wolf, NM

 Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM

 Bisti Badlands, NM

 Monument Valley

 Grand Canyon, AZ

• Planning Your Grand Canyon Visit
• Grand Canyon South Rim Top Sites and Itineraries
• Grand Canyon El Tovar Hotel

 Sedona, AZ