White Sands National Park Visitor Center
Experience the world's largest gypsum dunefield, a surreal landscape of shimmering white sands perfect for sledding and photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the intense heat
White Sands National Park Visitor Center
Best Time
Escape the intense heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the world's largest gypsum dunefield, a surreal landscape of shimmering white sands perfect for sledding and photography.
"Like walking on another planet! White Sands National Park is pure magic."
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring more water than you think you need. Dehydration is a serious risk, especially in summer.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Wear sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. The white sand reflects sunlight intensely.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dune Sledding
Various dunes
Slide down shimmering gypsum dunes on a rented sled for an exhilarating, unforgettable adventure.
Interdune Boardwalk
Dune Drive
An elevated walkway offering easy access to the dunes and insights into the unique desert ecosystem.
Alkali Flat Trail
End of Dune Drive
A challenging 5-mile hike through the heart of the gypsum dunefield for a truly immersive experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Sledding Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring more water than you think you need. Dehydration is a serious risk, especially in summer.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Wear sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. The white sand reflects sunlight intensely.
🛷 Sleds & Wax for Fun
Rent or buy sleds at the Visitor Center. Wax makes them go faster! 
📸 Golden Hour Photos
The light during sunrise and sunset creates magical photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring more water than you think you need. Dehydration is a serious risk, especially in summer.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Wear sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. The white sand reflects sunlight intensely.
🛷 Sleds & Wax for Fun
Rent or buy sleds at the Visitor Center. Wax makes them go faster!
📸 Golden Hour Photos
The light during sunrise and sunset creates magical photo opportunities.
🚗 Drive Safely
Adhere to speed limits within the park for safety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise White Sands National Park for its stunning, otherworldly beauty and the fun of sledding down the gypsum dunes. The unique landscape offers incredible photo opportunities, and the park provides a magical experience for all ages. However, some note the intense summer heat and the cost of sleds, advising visitors to come prepared with water and sun protection.
"What an amazing place to visit! Highly recommend! Perfect for photo op and a place to have a picnic and enjoy the views! Wear sunglasses! Sand is beautiful and perfectly white, blinding at times! Just be cautious! Otherwise, it's a must visit!"
Blue & Green Traveling Team
"Absolutely beautiful
If you can go during winter it would be recommended
If you go in the summer plan to arrive super early.
This shop is where you can buy souvenirs and rent out the sledges. The plastic blue one doesn't work or it might with a tiny baby.
You can refill your jugs and water bottles here.
Beautiful very much recommended"
Shanit Raphael
"This national park is amazing. Yes the price to get in is $25 for a car load. You should always double check prices before going. The national parks have an app that gives you all the information so you won't be shocked when you get there and they have the website. There is plenty to do. We didn't even get a sled. Just spent the day taking the trails, doing the Jr ranger program, and playing in the sand. It's a beautiful park that yes does have speed limits. There are many beautiful areas to spend your time and places that have no one around. Yes there were other people in view but it wasn't crazy crowded. We were able to set up and play in the sand as well as eat our lunch. Even when we went on the trails people weren't on top of us. Came on a Monday in June. The rangers were all very kind and talked with my son after he finished the Jr ranger stuff. Yes there are speed limits. If you have ever been to saguaro national park it's the same. It's caution as with all parks.
I recommend asking about which days are the most packed because just like any tourist spot it will have heavy traffic days, Planning your trip around the heat, if you want the most bang for your buck take multiple people in your car, and go into it wanting to have a good time."
Sarah Alicea
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The White Sands National Park Visitor Center is located at the park's entrance, just off US Highway 70. It's about a 15-minute drive from Alamogordo, New Mexico. Many visitors drive from El Paso, Texas, which is about a 1.5-hour journey. +1
Public transportation directly to White Sands National Park is very limited. Most visitors arrive by car. Renting a car in nearby cities like Alamogordo or El Paso is the most common way to reach the park.
From Alamogordo, head north on US Highway 70. The park entrance and Visitor Center will be clearly marked on your right. If coming from Las Cruces, take I-25 North to US-70 East.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the White Sands National Park Visitor Center, which is the first stop for most visitors.
While challenging, it's possible to visit via taxi or rideshare from Alamogordo, though services can be infrequent. Some tours may also offer transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As of recent information, the entrance fee is $25 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. It's always a good idea to check the official National Park Service website or the NPS app for the most current pricing.
Yes, you can purchase a pass at the Visitor Center. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, it covers the entrance fee. Military personnel may also have access or discounts.
Park hours vary seasonally. The Visitor Center typically opens earlier and closes earlier than the park's main gates. Check the official NPS website for current hours before your visit.
Generally, advance booking isn't required for general entry. However, during peak times or for special events, it's wise to check the park's website.
Discounts may be available for seniors, military, and children. The America the Beautiful Pass is also a great option for frequent national park visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can go sledding down the dunes, hike various trails like the Alkali Flat Trail, enjoy picnics, take photos, and learn about the park's unique geology and history at the Visitor Center.
Sleds and wax can be rented or purchased at the White Sands Visitor Center. Some hotels in Alamogordo may also offer free rentals.
The Alkali Flat Trail is a popular, albeit challenging, 5-mile loop. The Interdune Boardwalk is an easier, accessible option. The Playa Trail and Dune Life Nature Trail are also recommended for sunset views.
Yes, but preparedness is crucial. Avoid visiting during the hottest parts of the day, especially in summer, and always carry plenty of water. Stick to marked trails and be aware of your surroundings.
Night access is limited and often requires special permits or organized tours, especially for photography. Check with the park for any night sky programs or opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within White Sands National Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. Picnic areas are available.
The closest dining options are in Alamogordo, New Mexico, which offers a variety of restaurants, including fast food and local eateries.
Absolutely! There are designated picnic areas with tables and restrooms. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery.
The Visitor Center has a gift shop that sells some snacks and drinks, but options are limited and can be pricier. It's best to bring your own provisions.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch. Consider items that won't melt easily in the heat.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh due to the bright sun.
Anywhere on the dunes offers stunning backdrops. The Interdune Boardwalk, Alkali Flat Trail, and areas along Dune Drive are popular. The vastness of the landscape is photogenic everywhere. +1
Night photography is possible but often requires special access or tours. The dark skies can be incredible for astrophotography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can help manage glare. Protect your gear from sand.
Yes, specialized photography tours are sometimes offered, providing access to the park during unique times like night.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider shorter, easier trails like the Interdune Boardwalk for little legs. The Junior Ranger program is also a great way to engage kids and teach them about the park's natural wonders. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and plan your visit for the cooler parts of the day to ensure everyone stays comfortable and happy.
📸 Photographers
The Interdune Boardwalk offers unique compositions, and the vastness of the landscape provides endless opportunities for wide-angle shots. Don't forget to experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the surreal beauty of this unique environment. 🚗 Road Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of White Sands
This process creates the park's iconic, blindingly white landscape. The dunes are constantly shifting and changing shape due to the wind, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving scenery. Visitors can learn more about this fascinating geology at the Visitor Center, which features exhibits on the park's formation and the unique ecosystem it supports.
Key terms to remember are gypsum, dunefield, and playa lake. Understanding these elements helps appreciate the extraordinary environment of White Sands.
Sledding Adventures on the Dunes
+1Popular spots for sledding include the areas around the picnic grounds and the base of larger dunes accessible from Dune Drive. While the Alkali Flat Trail offers a more challenging hike, many visitors find the joy of sledding to be the highlight of their trip. It's a fantastic way to experience the park's unique landscape, turning the vast desert into a giant, natural playground.
+1Pro-tip: The blue plastic sleds sold at the Visitor Center might be slower than other types, so consider alternatives if speed is your priority.
Photography Tips for White Sands
When shooting, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the dunefield. A polarizing filter can help manage the intense glare from the white sand and deepen the blue of the sky. Protect your camera gear from fine gypsum dust by using a lens hood and keeping your equipment in a sealed bag when not in use.
Beyond the dunes, explore the Interdune Boardwalk for unique perspectives and macro shots of desert flora. For astrophotography enthusiasts, the park's dark skies can be spectacular, though night access often requires special arrangements.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit