White Sands National Park
The world’s largest gypsum dunefield, glowing white in the desert of New Mexico.
Photo: NPS · Public domain
White Sands guide: Dunes Drive, sledding on the dunes, the Interdune Boardwalk, the Alkali Flat Trail, sunset, missile range closures and the entrance fee.
What to expect
White Sands National Park protects the largest gypsum dunefield in the world, about 712 square kilometers of white dunes in the Tularosa Basin of southern New Mexico. Gypsum rarely forms sand dunes because it dissolves in water, but this basin has no outlet to the sea, so the mineral stays.
Dunes Drive runs 13 kilometers from the visitor center into the heart of the dunefield, its last stretch on hard-packed gypsum. Along the way, the Interdune Boardwalk is an easy walk, and the Alkali Flat Trail crosses the dunes for 8 kilometers, marked only by posts.
Sledding down the dunes on plastic saucers is the favorite activity, and the visitor center shop sells them. Because gypsum reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it, the sand stays pleasant underfoot, and at sunset the dunes turn pink and gold.
The park is surrounded by White Sands Missile Range, and Dunes Drive and US-70 between Las Cruces and Alamogordo sometimes close for a few hours during tests. Alamogordo, about 25 kilometers away, is the nearest town for lodging and gas.
Don’t miss
- 1Sledding down the dunes
- 2Sunset from Dunes Drive
- 3The Interdune Boardwalk
- 4The Alkali Flat Trail
Best time to visit
October to April. Summer afternoons are hot and the light is blinding.
Insider tips
- Check the park website for missile test closures before you drive.
- Bring sunglasses and sunscreen: the white sand reflects strong sunlight.
- Do not hike the dunes in the midday summer heat; it is easy to lose your way.
Fees, passes and parking
| What | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $25 per vehicle, 7 days |
| Per person (on foot or bike) | $15 per person, 7 days |
| Annual pass for this park | $45 per year |
- America the Beautiful pass accepted: $80 a year for US residents, $250 for others (also covers the $100 fee).
- Dunes Drive and US-70 can close for a few hours during missile tests; check the park website before you go.
- US residents enter free on a few fee-free days.
Checked Oct 28, 2026. Official prices
Gas and fast charging nearby
19 gas stations within 40 km
- 23.9 km AAFES Service Station
- 32.0 km Chevron
- 33.4 km Speedway
- 33.6 km Valero
- 34.6 km Speedway
- 35.8 km Valero
- 33.5 km Francis Energy Fast chargers (Francis Energy)
- 36.7 km Tesla Supercharger Fast chargers (Supercharger)
OpenStreetMap data, Oct 28, 2026.
Photo gallery
No reviews yet. Been here? Be the first to share your tips!
Traveler reviews