White Sands National Park: The Essential Guide

One of New Mexico’s underrated wonders is the Tularosa Valley, located in the south-central part of the state. It features waves of white sand stretching as far away as the eye can look. The sand looks like snowdrifts from a distance, but once you get out of your vehicle, the sand crunches. 

This massive, otherworldly site is part of southern New Mexico White Sands National Park. Wind and time have sculpted a landscape that is ever-changing.

White Sands National Park has the largest gypsum dunes in the world. The park covers approximately 275 sq. miles. glittering white sand Nicole Barker, media relations manager of the New Mexico Tourism DepartmentTells Travel + Leisure. “The park [also] The park offers a variety of ranger-led experiences that will allow you to enjoy the park on a deeper level.”

Immersion is the name of the game at White Sands National Park, which tends to draw adventurers and solitude seekers—along with photographers chasing the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the dunes glow an ethereal pink and blue.

What you should know about White Sands National Park

Before you go, know what to expect

White Sands National Park remains open every day of the year, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Every day, the park opens at 7 am. closes shortly after sunset. It has just one visitor center‚ White Sands Visitor Center—which is where most people’s journeys begin

The park is not currently able to accommodate overnight stays. very limited food options—the gift shop inside the visitors center has a selection of packaged sandwiches, bottled drinks, and snacks for sale. Bring a cooler with food and drinks.

The entry fee is $25 for each vehicle. This includes you, any passengers you may bring, and leashed pets. Purchasing your pass in advance online You can save time by downloading or printing your pass, especially during peak season. If you decide to do so, you will need to print or download your pass prior to entering the park. There is no WiFi in White Sands National Park and cell coverage is very limited.

White Sands National Park could also close suddenly due to bad weather. High winds in the park can lead to blowing sand. Dunes Drive’s back can be difficult to negotiate during heavy rains. Check out the park’s website. Current Conditions page For updates on road closings, weather and activity availability. Barker wants guests to remember one thing when they visit.

“Please Leave No Trace She says, “When you visit,” she says. We are all responsible to leave these beautiful areas as we found them, and help preserve the land for generations ahead.

When is the best time to visit?

White Sands National Park can be visited in spring or fall. 

Barker loves the fall, and recommends that you visit between late September and November to take advantage of the mild temperatures. While both spring and autumn are great for hiking in temperate temperatures, she notes that fall is quieter and spring can get windy. “Fall temperatures are often between 70 and 80 degrees, which is very similar to spring,” says Sherry.

The park can get hot in the summer with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. reaching 110-degrees-Fahrenheit. The rainy season begins around July and is accompanied by afternoon thunderstorms. The rainy season may last until late September when the temperature of the park starts to drop.

The park is beautiful in winter when temperatures reach 60 degrees. Snow can also be seen on occasion, adding to the beauty.

How to Get There 

White Sands National Park is located just over three-hours from Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque (New Mexico) and less than five hours east of Tucson International Airport in Tucson (Arizona). White Sands National Park requires a vehicle to reach and explore. Many people include the park in their larger tour of New Mexico, or the Southwest. Barker says that a trip to the dunes is “perfectly paired with a southern New Mexico roadtrip.”

White Sands National Park has only one entrance, and the visitor center is located at this entrance. The entrance to White Sands National Park is on US-70 in New Mexico between Alamogordo & Las Cruces. The entrance is located approximately 20 minutes to the west of Alamogordo, and 50 minutes to the east of Las Cruces. 

What to Do in Best Things to See

Sand Sledding

You can treat the powdery-white hills, which look like snow, as such. sand dune sledding The park has many popular activities. The visitor center’s gift and trading post sells waxed plastic saucers.

Sledding can be done in the loop part of Dunes Drive. This is where the road is not present and the vegetation is minimal. Barker suggests “sledding near the Alkali Flat Trailhead Parking Area,” which features some of Alkali Flat’s tallest sledding hills.

Dunes Drive

You can also find out more about the following: Dunes Drive Is a 16-mile scenic drive This route starts at the visitors center and leads into the dunes. It’s a great drive to get to lesser-used hills for sledding, hiking trails-free dunes or finding inspiration for your photography. Along the way, you’ll find picnic areas, vault toilets, and exhibits.

The first four-miles of Dunes Drive have been paved. The last four-miles are hard-packed gypsum roads. The drive is accessible to all types of cars. 

Full Moon Night

The park is open on the evenings surrounding the full-moon in the summer and early autumn. Full Moon Night. Barker says that on full moon night, the park’s hours are extended by two hours. Full Moon Night Programs are held in an amphitheater, with live music and ranger programs. Special guest presenters, artists, and musicians also attend.

Some people show up with blankets and camp chairs to enjoy the music, or to listen to a park ranger. Full Moon Nights usually last two hours. They are free.

Best Hikes

Alkali Flat Trail

If you want to hike through the largest dunes in the park, then head to Alkali Flat Trail—a not-so-flat trail (in fact, it climbs several steep dunes) that leads to a dry lakebed. The park calls it “strenuous”, noting that the round-trip distance is five miles. Most hikers spend around three hours climbing up the dunes and crossing them.

Dune Life Nature Trail

White Sands National Park can be explored in a more relaxed way. Dune Life Nature TrailThe average person takes an hour to finish the loop, which is about one mile. The journey, while short, does a great job of showcasing the ecosystem that is created when two landscapes meet—in this case,  desert scrub brush and gypsum dunes. The trail runs along the edge of a dunefield, and provides information about the animals living in the park.

Moonlight Hike

The park is open from March to November when the full moon is visible. Moonlight Hike. According to Barker a Moonlight Hike is led by park rangers along the Dune Life Nature Trail. This journey takes two hours and costs eight dollars per person (four dollars for children under 15 years old). Tickets can be purchased one month in advance of the tour date via Recreation.gov.

Check out the park for another ranger-guided hiking experience. Sunset StrollIt usually happens during sunset’s golden hours. Barker explains that it’s an excellent opportunity to enjoy the sunset while learning about the park’s plants and animals.

Backcountry Camping Trail

The world’s largest gypsum field is a massive area. To fully appreciate its size, you should plan to complete the Backcountry Camping Trail. The two-mile loop can be completed in two to three-hours and offers expansive views of the rippling, snow-white gypsum-dunes. The sunsets are also spectacular. 

Where to Stay in the Best Hotels

There are many ways to get help. no overnight lodging or camping in the park Accommodation is not available in Alamogordo, so you will need to find a place in Las Cruces or Alamogordo. Both are nearby.

Home2 Suites By Hilton Alamogordo

The closest accommodation to White Sands National Park, is the Home2 Suites Alamogordo. This all-suites hotel offers pet-friendly policies and kitchenettes.

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces

Barker recommends Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces“An ambiance that reflects Spanish and Mexican Colonial tradition and history,” she said. The hotel boasts a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool as well as an on-site bar and restaurant that serves New Mexican food.

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park

White Sands National Park’s nearest camping area is located at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. There are 15 campsites with electricity and water, 24 dry camping sites, three ADA friendly sites, and 24 tent-friendly dry camp sites. Camping reservations can be made online.

Barker also says the state park offers “hiking trails and an old ranch house” as well as natural pools.

Restaurants 

There is no food available in the park, except for the pre-packaged items sold at the gift shop and trading post of the visitor centre. Most visitors plan to bring their own food, drink, and picnic. There are three main picnic areas Yuccas, Roadrunners, and Primrose can be found in the Park. Dunes Drive leads to all of them. There are grills and shaded areas near the picnic tables. Personal grills are welcome. Barker prefers the Roadrunner Picnic Area.

D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro

The following is a list of the most popular ways to contact us local favorite Alamogordo has a lot to offer. higher-end dining experienceBarker claims that the wine is “paired with New Mexico’s best.”

Hi-D-Ho Drive-In

Barker describes Hi-D-Ho Drive-In The drive-in is a classic vintage attraction that has been cherished for [its] The menu offers a wide variety of burgers, burritos, and other dishes that will bring back the nostalgia of roadside dining in the 1950s.” The green chile hamburgers also have a following.

Caliche’s

If you want a refreshing treat after spending the day in the parks, stop by Caliche’sThe dessert spot is located in Alamogordo as well as Las Cruces. Barker writes that this dessert shop is known for its “creamy, rich frozen ice cream, sundaes and signature treats, like the Green Chile Sundae.”

Salud! de Mesilla

This popular restaurant in Las Cruces offers “chef-inspired tapas Barker says, “We have an award-winning craft cocktail list and a wine list.” Salud! de Mesilla has a great brunch menu and creative dishes like green chile pesto pasta and a Prickly Pear Creme Brûlée.