National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo
White Sands National Park
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.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
5 mi · 200 ft gain · loop
The park's most challenging hike traversing rolling white gypsum dunes to an ancient lakebed.
Starts at: Dunes Drive
2 mi · 50 ft gain · loop
Loop through the White Sands backcountry with views of the San Andres Mountains.
Starts at: Dunes Drive
1 mi · 30 ft gain · loop
Nature trail with 14 interpretive signs exploring the ecotone where desert scrub meets gypsum dunes.
Starts at: Dunes Drive
0.4 mi · 5 ft gain · out & back
ADA-accessible boardwalk through the fragile interdune area with ten interpretive panels.
Starts at: Dunes Drive
Upcoming Events
The Dunes Discovery Morning Hike is a one-mile, ranger-guided hike at Dune Life Nature Trail. This is a great way to start your day in the park.
The Dunes Discovery Morning Hike is a one-mile, ranger-guided hike at Dune Life Nature Trail. This is a great way to start your day in the park.
White Sands National Park will host its first Full Moon Night event of the year on Monday June 29, 2026, at 8 p.m. in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In partnership with Western National Parks, White Sands is pleased to welcome back the 1st Armored Division Rock Band at the park’s amphitheater for a special performance at the park's June Full Moon Night event. The 1AD Rock Band is a musical performance group of ten soldiers whose mission is to promote the United States Army and build stronger relationships with surrounding communities through music. As part of the 250th commemoration, this family-friendly event encourages visitors to celebrate, contemplate and connect with the ideals of independence by celebrating White Sands National Park’s decades long partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces, its members, and their families. The program is free, but park entrance fees will apply. The park expects many attendees for this Full Moon Night event so please plan accordingly: Parking lot opens at 6 p.m. Event parking is limited and will fill up quickly. Additional overflow parking will be available within a walkable distance along the Dunes Drive loop. Accessible parking will be available, but space is limited. The amphitheater is an outdoor venue with a compact sand surface in most areas. There will be a wheelchair and stroller accessible walkway near the stage. The venue may not be fully accessible for those with mobile limitations. Seating is not provided at the amphitheater. Attendees may set up on the surrounding dunes and bring camp chairs, blankets, and coolers with food and drinks. Please help keep White Sands beautiful by packing out all your trash. Visit the park website or NPS App for directions to the event location, additional accessibility information, and additional safety messaging.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: January, February, October, November, December
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Temperatures at White Sands vary greatly throughout the year. Summer time temperatures can be very hot. Winters are mild with cool evenings. Spring time is the windy season. Fall is very enjoyable with mild daytime and night time temperatures.