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White Sands National Park, Alamogordo, NM

Photo: uncredited National Park Service employee, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorIconicOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

White Sands National Park

19955 Highway 70 West · Alamogordo, NM

Why you should go…

White Sands National Park protects part of a 275-square-mile field of gypsum sand, the largest gypsum dunefield on Earth. Dunes Drive runs 8 miles from the visitor center into the dunefield, where you find picnic areas, five established hiking trails and slopes for sledding. Rangers lead seasonal programs. The park occasionally closes during missile tests on the neighboring White Sands Missile Range, so check for closures before you drive out.

  • #national park
  • #sand dunes
  • #sledding
  • #hiking
  • #scenic drive

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to White Sands National Park, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    McGinn's PistachioLand

    Under $25

    A working pistachio and grape farm near Alamogordo with guided farm tours, wine tasting, and the World's Largest Pistachio statue.

    15 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Alamogordo

    Free

    A high desert New Mexico city 15 miles from White Sands National Park, with museums and a historic zoo.

    15 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces

    Free

    Open-air Saturday and Wednesday market in downtown Las Cruces with local produce, crafts and food.

    48 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping