Explore White Sands National Park's Unique Gypsum Dunes

Experience the beauty of White Sands National Park, where expansive gypsum sand dunes create a unique landscape ideal for hiking, sledding, and breathtaking sunset views.

Last updated: Apr 2024

Visit Website

$25 per vehicle entry fee, valid for 7 days.
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
Learn more

Description

White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico, is a natural wonder featuring over 275 square miles of gypsum sand dunes, the largest of its kind in the world. This unique landscape offers a range of activities, from leisurely hikes along marked trails to dune sledding for thrill-seekers. Start your visit at the visitor center to learn about the park's history and get maps for the various trails. Explore the 16-mile Dunes Drive to get a comprehensive view of the park's beauty. Enjoy the stunning sunsets over the sand dunes, a perfect backdrop for photography. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and protective eyewear to stay safe in the desert environment.

What's included

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

For families with kids

For parents and grownups

Outdoorsy

Unlock the Ultimate Bucket List

For Adventurers and Explorers

Epic

All Experience Levels Unlocked
Build and Manage your Bucket List
Exclusive EPIC Deals & Discounts
Gift 3 EPIC Guest Memberships

7 Days Free

$2.99/mo, cancel any time.
Billed annually

Basic

World-class Experiences Unlocked
Build and Manage your Bucket List

$0/mo

No credit card needed

TikTok videos

Itinerary

Start at the visitor center to gather information and purchase entry tickets.
Explore Dunes Drive for a scenic view of the park.
Choose from several hiking trails, such as the Interdune Boardwalk, Playa Trail, Dune Life Nature Trail, Backcountry Camping Trail, or Alkali Flat Trail.
Try dune sledding at designated areas with a sled from the visitor center.
Capture stunning photos at sunset from various vantage points.

Location

White Sands National Park, NM

Show directions

Packing List

Comfortable hiking shoes
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Hat
Snacks or a packed meal
Camera for photography

4.8 ● Google reviews

This was an absolutely amazing experience. We loved the fact you could walk anywhere on the dunes. Make sure that you know your position at all times though. It could be very easy to get lost there! They have marked trails or you can choose your own adventure. Coming from Canada and escaping the snow, this was a cool surprise to find out you can sled down the dunes like a snow hill. Highly recommend.

TL;DR: White Sands National Park is an unforgettable experience with stunning dune landscapes, fun sledding opportunities, and a unique drive through endless white sands. White Sands National Park is easily one of the coolest places I’ve visited recently. The drive through the park is surreal—being completely surrounded by nothing but vast, shimmering white gypsum sands is awe-inspiring. Climbing the dunes is a bit more challenging than it looks, but the views from the top make it absolutely worth the effort. While I didn’t sled myself, it was fun to watch so many people enjoying it. I visited on a perfect January day in the 60s, which added to the experience. Highly recommend a visit to this incredible park!

This place is indescribable!!!!😎😎 I'm so in love with how beautiful White Sands is, I'm getting married there! Couldn't ask for anything more beautiful, intimate, simple, and just overall amazing! I've been several times and it's just as beautiful as if I've never seen it before! I enjoy being in the car with somebody who has never been to see their reactions! And the first time you feel that sand you're going to be amazed! The sand is cold because of what it's composed of, so it doesn't matter what time of year it is... you better not be wearing shoes, you'd be missing out if you are. Seriously unlike anything! I went to another sand state park and it was miserable. The sand dunes were covered in weeds, the sand was hard, was not taken care of. White Sands is unlike anything! Go AT LEAST ONCE (preferably more!)

What could be more beautiful than walking through the white sands with no shoes on just enjoying the bright skies, the sunset and the glimmer of the sand blowing in the wind. Had a great afternoon with the wife and headed back out to do some more exploring today!

It's very amazing to see such places very unique we can just walk on the sand or play with the sled or board we can rent them or buy in the visitor center gift center. Sunset in white sand is one of a kind. Kids enjoy playing here as well as adults

Show all 16071 reviews