White Sands National Park, NM Travel Guide
White Sands National Park, NM Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip
Wondering what to do at White Sands National Park beyond snapping a photo from the parking lot?
This corner of southern New Mexico holds the largest gypsum dunefield on Earth, and a single road called Dunes Drive takes you straight into the middle of it.
Between sledding down blinding white dunes, walking trails older than recorded history, and catching one of the best sunsets in the Southwest, a day here goes a lot further than most visitors expect.
Top Things to Do
1. Drive Dunes Drive—The only road through the park, and the easiest way to see the entire dunefield in one trip.
2. Sled the Gypsum Dunes—Grab a saucer sled at the visitor center gift shop and ride down some of the tallest dunes in the park.
3. Walk the Alkali Flat Trail—A five-mile hike across the old bed of Lake Otero, with sweeping mountain views the whole way.
4. Explore the Interdune Boardwalk—A short, easy walk on a raised wooden path that keeps you out of the soft sand.
5. Hike the Dune Life Nature Trailhead—A one-mile loop where you can spot roadrunner tracks and other desert wildlife.
6. Watch the Sunset—The Sunset Stroll Meeting Point is the go-to spot to watch the dunes shift through pink, orange, and gold.
7. Visit the Visitor Center—Step into a 1930s Pueblo-Revival building for exhibits, an orientation film, and the park store.
8. Picnic on the Dunes—Shaded tables at Roadrunner and Yucca Picnic Areas sit right in the middle of the dunefield.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
The White Sands National Park Driving Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that guides you down Dunes Drive stop by stop, sharing the stories behind the sand as you go. Start whenever you want, pause to sled or walk a trail, and pick up right where you left off. Most drivers finish in two to three hours with stops.
Free Things to Do
1. Dune Life Nature Trailhead—A short loop through the ecotone where desert scrub meets gypsum dune.
2. Interdune Boardwalk—A raised wooden walkway into the heart of the dunes.
3. Playa Trail—A quiet walk out onto the old dry lakebed.
4. Alkali Flat Trail—A five-mile trek across the ancient lakebed, included with park entry.
5. Sunset Stroll—A go-to spot to watch the sunset over the dunes.
6. Roadrunner & Yucca Picnic Areas—Shaded picnic tables included with park entry.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Park Entrance Fee—$25 per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days.
2. Sled Rental or Purchase—Available at the visitor center gift shop, typically $15–$26 depending on size and new vs. used.
Food!
D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro
A local favorite for New Mexican-inflected fine dining, known for its meatloaf, pecan pesto pasta, and award-winning New Mexico wine list.
Oppenheimer Gasthaus
A newer, well-reviewed spot in Alamogordo blending German and Southwestern flavors in a warm, casual setting.
Rizo's Mexican Restaurant
A longtime local go-to for classic New Mexican plates like enchiladas and chile-smothered burritos.
Where to Stay
In Alamogordo (about 15 miles from the park)
Hampton Inn Alamogordo—A reliable mid-range choice close to White Sands Blvd. Roughly $130-160/night.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamogordo—Family-friendly with free breakfast included. Roughly $110-140/night.
SureStay Plus by Best Western Alamogordo White Sands—Budget-friendly and centrally located. Roughly $90-120/night.
In Las Cruces (about an hour away, more variety)
Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces—A well-rated hotel with a Southwestern hacienda feel. Roughly $140-180/night.
Drury Inn & Suites Las Cruces—Popular for its free hot breakfast and evening snacks. Roughly $130-160/night.
Hilton Garden Inn Las Cruces—Comfortable and centrally located near downtown. Roughly $140-170/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take the White Sands National Park Driving Tour, starting at the visitor center.
Afternoon: Sled the dunes at Alkali Flat, then walk the Alkali Flat Trail or Interdune Boardwalk.
Evening: End the day at the Sunset Stroll Meeting Point to watch the sunset over the dunes.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Add the full five-mile Alkali Flat Trail hike, or take a day trip into Alamogordo for the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
Extra Time: Explore the Dune Life Nature Trailhead and Playa Trail at a slower pace, or drive up into the Sacramento Mountains toward Cloudcroft for a change of scenery.
FAQ's
1. How long does the White Sands National Park driving tour take?
The route itself takes about thirty minutes without stopping. Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the stops along the way.
2. Does the tour work without cell service?
Yes. Download the tour before you go, and it runs completely offline using your phone's GPS.
3. What is the entrance fee for White Sands National Park?
$25 per vehicle, valid for seven consecutive days.
4. Do I need to bring my own sled?
No. Sleds are available to buy or rent at the visitor center gift shop, though bringing your own can save money.
5. Is White Sands National Park good for kids?
Yes. Sledding is a highlight for kids of all ages, and most trails are short and manageable for families.
6. What's the best time to visit?
Late afternoon through sunset is a favorite, when temperatures drop and the dunes glow with color. For the best weather overall, plan a trip between fall and spring—summer afternoons can get very hot.
7. Do I need a special vehicle for Dunes Drive?
No. The road is paved for the first five miles and hard-packed gypsum for the rest, suitable for any regular passenger vehicle.
8. What should I bring?
Water, sun protection, and a sled if you have one. Shade is limited once you're out on the dunes.
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