Planning a White Sands National Park Day Trip
White Sands National Park is known for its dunes of pure white gypsum sand that can be seen from space. It is so large it has been called the world’s greatest sandbox. Hiking the dunes and sledding down is the most popular activity in the park. 600,000 people visit White Sands National Park annually, plan your visit with this White Sands National Park Travel Guide.
You are excited to visit White Sands National Park and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, what not to miss, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do while visiting White Sands National Park while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this White Sands National Park travel blog.
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Where is White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is located in the Tularosa Basin between the Sacramento and San Andres Mountains of southern New Mexico. The closest major airport is in El Paso. The park is 1.5 hours from El Paso Texas and 3.5 hours from Albuquerque New Mexico. The nearest accommodations are in Alamogordo.
Facts About White Sands National Park
At 275 square miles, White Sands is the largest gypsum dune field in the world.
The tallest dune at the park is 60 ft tall.
White Sands National Park can be seen from space.
Roadrunners, coyotes, and bobcats live in the dunes.
The Best Time of Year to Visit White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park has clear, sunny skies about 330 days out of the year. Summers are hot with temperatures averaging 97ºF and 60ºF in the winter. Monsoon season is from early July through mid-October. Temperatures range from 60-80 degrees from October to April.
Things to Do at White Sands National Park
Drive the Dunes Drive scenic loop.
Take the 1-mile Dune Life Nature Trail.
Follow the marked 2-mile Heart of the Sands trail.
Hike the 5-mile Alkali Flat Trail.
Go sand sledding down the dunes.
Take a ranger-led sunset walk.
Things to Do Near White Sands National Park
Eat a green chili cheeseburger at Rockin BZ Burgers
While in the area visit the Pistachioland for pistachio ice cream and red and green chili pistachios.
Explore the western town of Cloudcroft.
Check out the White Sands Missile Range.
Enjoy a custard sundae with green chili and pecans at Caliche’s Frozen Custard in Las Cruces.
Go for a hike in the nearby Lincoln National Forest or Dripping Springs Natural Area.
Visit Spaceport America in Truth or Consequences.
Tips for Visiting White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is open every day except Christmas.
The gate to the park opens at 7 am.
The park may close for several hours during nearby missile range tests.
Cell service is limited and there is no WiFi available at White Sands National Park.
Pets are allowed on leashes.
Leave your shoes in the car, the white sand remains cool to the touch.
Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person, snacks, and a picnic lunch.
There are three picnic areas with shaded tables, grills, and restrooms in the park.
Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Do not tunnel in the sand, the sand will collapse and could suffocate you or your child.
Debris from missile tests may be buried in the sand, do not touch strange objects, instead, tell a ranger.
It’s easy to get lost in the dunes, pay attention to the direction you are walking and use the trail markers.
Do not visit in the middle of the day, the dunes are prettier with shadows on them in the morning and evening.
The annual White Sands Balloon Festival is held at the beginning of September.
Practice Leave No Trace Principles
Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass
Check the White Sands National Park website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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