Parks / White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park
National Park · NM
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (5)
Dunes Drive Safety Corridor
Dunes Drive is open. A safety corridor is in effect between mile marker 3 and 5.5 along Dunes Drive. Visitors may drive but not stop or exit their vehicle in this area.
Backcountry Camping Closed
Backcountry camping at the park is closed. There is no established opening date at this time.
Interdune Boardwalk Closed
Due to the active safety corridor, the Interdune Boardwalk is closed. Please visit the park visitor center to learn about other options during your visit.
Park Closures
From time to time the missile range that surrounds the park performs military testing that may require the closure of the park or Highway 70. Please plan your visit around upcoming military tests.
RV and Tractor Trailer Parking at the Visitor Center
There is limited space for parking for recreational vehicles and trailers in the parking lot directly in front (south) of the visitor center. RVs are asked to not park in the lot behind the visitor center. There is no parking space for tractor trailers.
Entrance Fees
White Sands National Park charges a variety of fees, depending on how a visitor arrives at the park, and whether they're part of a commercial tour group or not. Standard entrance fees are available for purchase before your arrival. Purchasing your pass online can help you save time and the entrance stations and help reduce long lines. Please download our print your digital pass before arriving at the park due to limited connectivity in the area.
All entrance passes admits a driver and all passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle into the park for free for a period of one year from month of purchase. These passes do not apply to special use fees, such as interpretive program fees.
Campgrounds (1)
Upcoming Events
Dunes Discovery Morning Hike
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet the ranger at Dune Life Nature Trail
Moonlight Hike
Sep 27, 2026
Things to Do
Hiking Alkali Flat Trail
Imagine yourself surrounded by the spectacular views of endless dunes with few footprints. The Alkali Flat Trail takes you through the heart of the sands, up and over steep dunes to the edge of Alkali Flat.
Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail
Are you looking for expansive views of snow-white gypsum dunes for miles? Hiking the Backcountry Camping Trail provides a sense of the magnitude of the world's largest gypsum dunefield.
Hiking Dune Life Nature Trail
The Dune Life Nature Trail is full of life! This family-friendly, one mile (1.6 km) loop trail is a great way to explore White Sands.
Hiking Interdune Boardwalk
The Interdune Boardwalk is an elevated boardwalk that leads you through the fragile interdune area to a scenic view of the dune field and the Sacramento mountains.
Hiking the Ice Age Trail
This level, family-friendly trail interprets the Ice Age history of the Tularosa Basin
Picnicking at White Sands
White Sands National Park offers three picnic areas where people can enjoy shade, relaxation, and access to the parks incredible dunes.
Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead
The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area has some of the tallest dunes to go sledding at White Sands.
Sledding at the Roadrunner Picnic Area
The Roadrunner Picnic area is an excellent place to go sledding with friends and family at White Sands National Park.
Visitor Centers
- White Sands Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.