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White sands

Quick Facts | Top Experiences | Best time to Visit | Guides

White Sands National Park is one of the most unique landscapes in the U.S., with wave-like dunes of pure white gypsum stretching across 275 square miles of southern New Mexico. Beyond its surreal beauty and family-friendly sledding fun, the park is rich in human history—ancient footprints found here are among the oldest evidence of human life in North America.

White Sands Quick Facts

Native Lands: Tampachoa (Mansos), Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), and Mescalero Apache. (Native Land Digital)

Founded: 2019 (National Monument since 1933)

Annual Visitors: 729,096 visitors in 2023

Size: 145,762 acres

Location: New Mexico

Entrance Fee: $15-25, depending on vehicle

Notable Fact: Home to the largest gypsum dune field in the world, covering 275 square miles of dazzling white sand.

Top Experiences in White Sands

  1. Spot wildlife on the Dune Life Nature Trail.
  2. Rent a sled and go sand sledding on the dunes.
  3. Grill yourself some lunch at one of the park’s picnic areas.
  4. Drive the Scenic Dunes Drive.
  5. Go on a guided Sunset Walk with a park ranger.

Best Time to Visit White Sands

The best time to visit White Sands is during the cooler months, from October through April, when daytime temperatures are mild and ideal for hiking and sledding. Summers can get extremely hot, with limited shade, so we advise against visiting during these months.

Once you’re there, early mornings and late afternoons are especially beautiful, offering soft light and cooler temperatures that are perfect for taking photos.

White Sands National Park Guides

White Sands Videos

Watch us explore two National Parks in two days on YouTube! We explore Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands in two unbelievable days.

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