White Sands National Park
New Mexico Est. 2019

White Sands National Park

Desert
146,344 Acres
702,000/year Annual Visitors
$25 Entry Fee
October through April Best Time to Visit
National Park Service National Park

White Sands was protected as a national monument in 1933 and redesignated a national park on December 20, 2019. The park contains the world's largest gypsum dunefield, 275 square miles of blindingly white sand in the Tularosa Basin of New Mexico.

What White Sands Is Known For

White gypsum sand dunes
Sunset over the dunefield
Oryx wildlife
Missile testing road closures

Top Activities

Sledding down gypsum dunes Hiking Alkali Flat Trail Sunset photography Backcountry camping in the dunes Ranger-led full moon walks

Our Complete White Sands Guide

Everything you need to plan your trip. Trails, timing, tips, and the spots most visitors miss.

Read the Guide

Our White Sands Articles

Plan Your Visit

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