Tucked away in the south of New Mexico is an incredible hidden gem you MUST add to your bucket list: White Sands National Park. Have you ever heard of gypsum sand aka the white sand you see in the photos? This rare substance is a “soft mineral often left behind when water bodies evaporate.” Read more about the formation of gypsum sand here. 

The white sands dune field is a whopping 275 square miles; a large part of which is maintained by the National Park Service. There is really nothing quite like it anywhere else the world. Definitely add White Sands to your bucket list if you have not been yet!

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Getting There

To get to the park, you will have to drive or bike, as there is currently no public transportation option. There is a park entrance fee; check the official website for the most updated fee information. We paid a single $25 vehicle entry fee, and it was valid for 7 consecutive days. There are also a variety of national park pass options you can purchase to gain access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.

What To Do When You're There

In my opinion, you really need one full day to explore and enjoy the White Sands National Park. While you’re there, here are some options to maximize your time at the park:

  • Start your visit by checking out the visitor center! You can get information on daily park activities, peruse the gift shop for souvenirs and learn about the history. They also have restroom and water refill facilities here!
  • Hike on any of the five established trails throughout the park. You can see us walking Gracie in the second photo below! This was one of the shorter, accessible trails.
  •  Sled down the sand dunes! You can purchase a sled at the visitor center, or bring one of your own. Be sure to check out their official website for safety tips when sledding down the dunes!
  • Pack a lunch and picnic at one of the many tables and grills throughout the park. There are many shaded areas, in the event it is really hot outside. If you have a large group, there is one area you are able to reserve in advance; be sure to submit the form ahead of time.

Important Things To Note

  1. Make sure to check that the White Sands Missile Range is not conducting a missile test before you go. These can cause road closures and related delays for several hours.
  2. Shockingly, the sand itself is not hot! We went in the beginning of July when the temperature was over 90°F, but the sand was cool enough to walk on.
  3. Pack sunscreen and remember to reapply if you are out sledding all day. 
  4. The park is pet-friendly. You can see we had our furry friend, Gracie, with us and she LOVED playing in the sand! 
  5.  Remember to leave no trace when visiting national parks! This means do not take any sand or other resources out of the park, and do not litter in the park.

Nearby Attractions

I would definitely suggest including this as one of many stops on your road trip! Here are a few fun suggestions for nearby things you can do as you pass through New Mexico:

  • White Sands Missile Range Museum and Missile Park
  • Alameda Park Zoo
  • New Mexico Museum of Space History
  • International UFO Museum & Research Center

Feel free to leave a comment below if you think I missed anything or have any questions. Enjoy your time exploring White Sands National Park and the Southwest US!

💙mariss