This Is The Snowy-Looking Desert Counterpart To Death Valley! Here’s How To Explore Its Gleaming Dunes In A Day
Looking to plan the best day struggling up giant white dunes and sledding down with glee in the largest gypsum dune in the world?
In this day trip itinerary, I will guide you through the best things to do in the mesmerizingly white dune fields of White Sands National Park. From scenic drives to hiking trails and ranger programs, I’ll take you along the exact route I took during my 5 month road trip through the Southwest.
The park isn’t too big, and while it’s beautiful, the attractions here are not very diverse. So, one day is totally enough. But, if you’re a photographer like me and you miss the sunset, you might want to stay another day!
Quick Facts To Visiting White Sands
White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico, is famous for its expanse of glistening white gypsum dunes – the largest of its kind in the world! Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin, these dunes engulf nearly 275 square miles of pure white, wave-like landscape that seems to stretch into infinity.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Entrance Fee | $25 per vehicle, $15 per person or $80 for the America the Beautiful Annual National Park Pass |
| Operating Hours | Open daily, year-round from dawn to dusk. Hours change depending on the season. |
| Visitor Centers | White Sands Visitor Center |
| Park Entrances | Dunes Drive |
| Main Activities | Hiking, Photography, Camping, Sledding, Plant life |
| Number of Campgrounds | Backcountry camping available at designated sites |
| Number of Hotels | No hotels within the park, but several are available in nearby Alamogordo |
| Best Time to Visit | Fall and Spring for mild temperatures |
| Nearest Cities | Alamogordo (16 miles), Las Cruces (52 miles) |
| Nearest Airports | Alamogordo-White Sands Regional Airport (18 miles), El Paso International Airport (85 miles) |
Note: For the latest updates, please refer to official sources like the White Sands National Park website.
Sample One Day in White Sands National Park Itinerary
One day is all you need to fully experience the wonders of White Sands! Here’s a sample day trip itinerary to make the most of your time in this amazing place.
- Arrive at the Visitor Center to go through the exhibits.
- Rent a sled at the gift shop for some sand sledding later.
- Walk the one mile Dune Life Nature Trail to learn about the desert ecosystem.
- Climb the largest dune you see and sand sled down!
- Take a scenic drive along the Dunes Drive Loop, wandering into the desert whenever it catches your eye.
- As the sun begins to set, prepare for a guided Sunset Stroll.
- Photographer’s Alternative: Hike at least one mile at the end of Dunes Drive to take undisturbed sunset photos of the dunes.
What to Do at White Sands in a Day
White Sands National Park doesn’t have much diversity, so many people find that a few hours is enough to see everything. If you’re into photography like me, though, then you want to stay 2 days. This way, you can catch every angle of the sunlight.
Morning: Visitor Center & Dune Life Nature Trail
1. Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is your first stop and the perfect introduction to the White Sands National Park. Even if you’re not a National Park stamp collector, the Center has a wealth of information and various exhibits on the park.
Take time to learn about the formation of the gypsum dunes and the resilient plant and animal life that inhabits this seemingly inhospitable landscape. There’s even a short film, “A Land in Motion,” highlighting its ever-changing landscape.
If you’re planning on sledding down the dunes (which you absolutely should), this is where you’ll rent your sled.
2. Dune Life Nature Trail
After exploring the Visitor Center, head out for a short walk on the Dune Life Nature Trail. This one-mile loop trail, fairly easy for all fitness levels, takes you on your first journey through the shifting dunes.
Along the way, you’ll spot various markers explaining the survival strategies of the park’s flora and fauna. You’ll get to see plant species, such as the Soaptree Yucca and the aptly named Skunkbush Sumac.
Afternoon: Sand Sledding & Scenic Drive
3. Sand Sledding the Dunes
Sliding down the gypsum dunes is so much fun, and it’s definitely the most exhilarating activity to do in White Sands National Park. You can rent a sled directly from the Visitor Center, or bring your own if you happen to have one.
Once you’ve got your sled, head to any of the towering dunes. The soft, white sand provides a smooth ride down, making it a safe and fun activity for all ages. Just choose a dune with a clear, obstacle-free path to sled down.
There’s no set location for sand sledding, so explore and find your perfect dune. Remember, the steeper the dune, the faster the ride! Some popular spots are near the Dune Life Nature Trail and along the Dunes Drive Loop.
Travel Tip! To get the most speed, wax the bottom of your sled with a bar of paraffin wax – available for purchase at the Visitor Center. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
4. Scenic Ride Along Dunes Drive
Dunes Drive is an 8-mile (one way) road that stretches into the heart of the park, giving you front-row seats to the stunning landscape of the White Sands National Park. If you’re taking a video, you could even mistake it for piles of snow.
Begin your ride at the Visitor Center and follow the signs to Dunes Drive. The drive is paved initially, but as you inch further into the park, the paved road transitions into a hard-packed gypsum road. But don’t worry: it’s suitable for all types of vehicles.
Along the drive, anytime you want, stop, get down, and walk amongst the dunes. There are many places to park your vehicle at the pull-outs and picnic areas dotted along the drive.
As you reach the end of Dunes Drive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an expanse of white gypsum as far as the eye can see. It’s an amazing sight, especially as the sun starts to descend, illuminating the dunes in shades of gold and pink.
The Dunes Drive is open all year, but the park closes at night. Park rangers will use microphones to ask people to leave, but the hour depends on the time of year.
5. Hit the Trails
There are five established hiking trails along Dunes Drive you can go on:
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Trail | 0.5 miles | Easy | Leads you to a dried-up lake bed, may have water |
| Interdune Boardwalk Trail | 0.4 miles | Easy | Fragile interdune area for plants and wildlife |
| Backcountry Camping Trail | Variable | Moderate | Deep into the dunefield for adventurers. Permit needed |
| Alkali Flat Trail | 5 miles | Strenuous | Sandy and steep; Has some of the best dunes |
| Dune Life Nature Trail | 1 mile | Easy | Informational signs to learn about the plants and animals |
Sunset: Guided Sunset Stroll
6. Get Good at Photography at White Sands
I spend hours upon hours taking pictures at this park. You’ll have a lot more versatility with an actual camera over an iPhone when it comes to the sunset, but you can still take amazing shots with either.
Here are some tips to enhance your photography experience, or just check Instagram for inspiration:
- Time of Day Changes the Dunes Color: In the morning, the sand will be pink. Afternoon, it will be white. Then gold. Then purple. Then blue under the moonlight.
- Experiment with perspectives: Play with different angles of light and compositions. There are also lots of dynamic patterns and textures of the gypsum sand.
- Highlight contrast: Play with silhouettes and the stark contrast between the white sand and the blue sky.
- Capture footprints and leading lines: Footprints on the sand and the natural curves of the dunes create interesting leading lines that can guide the viewer’s eye through your photograph. The further off Dunes Road you go, the fewer footprints there will be.
7. Guided Sunset Stroll
As the day winds down, take advantage of the ranger-led programs at White Sands National Park. One of the most popular programs is the Guided Sunset Stroll.
This is a leisurely one-hour walk led by a park ranger, who will provide fascinating insights about the geology, plants, and animals that have adapted to life in the dunes. The stroll begins an hour before sunset from the Sunset Stroll Nature Trail parking area located near the end of Dunes Drive.
The trail itself is an easy, one-mile round trip on relatively flat, firm ground. You’ll stop at various points of interest where the ranger will share stories about the desert’s history and inhabitants.
As you reach the end of the trail, the sun will just be setting over the vast sea of white dunes.
Travel Tip! The Sunset Stroll is popular, so it’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes early to secure your spot. Check the White Sands National Park website for the most up-to-date information on the stroll times as they change with the sunset times throughout the year.
Other Places to Visit with More Time
That’s really it for White Sands National Park, unless you want to go backcountry camping. If you have more time to spend around White Sands National Park, here are a few other places worth checking out:
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site
A short drive from the park is this archaeological site with over 21,000 petroglyphs (rock carvings) made by prehistoric Jornada Mogollon people. Take a self-guided tour and see if you can spot any images of animals or people.
New Mexico Museum of Space History
Located in Alamogordo, this museum features interactive exhibits on the history of space exploration, including a replica of the International Space Station and a moon rock. The International Space Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly contributed to space exploration.
Las Cruces and Mesilla
If you’re up for a longer drive, consider visiting the nearby towns of Las Cruces and Mesilla. These charming towns offer a variety of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences, including the historic Old Mesilla Plaza. They are also surrounded by the beautiful Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.
Where to Stay
While there are no lodging options within the park itself, accommodations are available in nearby cities such as Alamogordo and Las Cruces. These cities offer a range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals for every budget. You can also find boondocking spots if you have a campervan.
There are also a few backcountry sites to camp overnight.
Best Hotels Near White Sands National Park
Alamogordo is only 15 minutes away, so here are the best hotels for every budget from there:
| Hotel | Budget | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Home2 Suites By Hilton Alamogordo White Sands | Luxury | – Offers spacious and comfortable rooms – Ideal for those looking to indulge while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of White Sands National Park. – Quiet and clean facilities |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites | Mid-range | – Close to restaurants and other amenities – Great budget-mid-range option – Ideal for families or groups, offering all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. |
| The Classic Desert Aire Hotel | Budget | – Easy access to White Sands National Park – Clean rooms and friendly service – Solid choice for budget-conscious travelers. |
Backcountry Camping in White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park has ten designated sites along the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail. These sites are numbered from one to ten and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Camping is only permitted within these designated sites, so setting up camp on top of a dune isn’t allowed.
Backcountry Camping and Permits
Permits are required for backcountry camping. These permits can be obtained at the entrance booth on a first-come, first-served basis. Make sure to come early, as the number of permits available each day is limited.
There are no amenities or facilities in the backcountry camping areas, so visitors must bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and appropriate camping gear.
Warning (2024)! Backcountry permits are not currently being issued due to reconstruction work. There is no definitive opening date yet.
Is 1 Day Enough?
One day is enough to see White Sands National Park. Much of the scenery is the same, but I highly recommend you stay at least for one afternoon and sunset. The draw of this park comes from the changing colors of the sand depending on the time of day, so one full day is best to get the whole spectrum of colors.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit White Sands National Park is during the cooler months from October to April. The temperatures during summer can be extremely hot, reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Springtime, in particular, offers a beautiful display of wildflowers blooming across the dunes, adding a vibrant touch to the landscape.
| Season | Temperature Range (°F) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March – May) | 50 – 80 | Wildflowers in bloom |
| Summer (June – August) | 70 – 100+ | Hot temperatures, limited visitation |
| Fall (September – November) | 50 – 80 | Awesome weather |
| Winter (December – February) | 30 – 60 | Occasional snowfall, chilly temperatures |
How to Get There
White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico.
If you are arriving by air, the nearest major airport is El Paso International Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away from the park. From the airport, you can rent a car to White Sands National Park.
For those who prefer a road trip, the area surrounding the park presents beautiful scenic routes. You can drive along the historic Camino Real through charming towns and desolate landscapes. Alternatively, you can take Highway 70 through desert mountains.
As you plan your visit to White Sands National Park, don’t forget to check for any road closures or alerts before your trip.
Practical Tips for Visiting
- Dress in layers and wear sunscreen: The white sand reflects sunlight, and you can get sunburned so easily. But crazily enough, it can get freezing at night.
- Bring water: There are no water sources in the park.
- Check for road closures and alerts: Check for any road closures or alerts on the park’s website. Sometimes they’re closed for missile testing.
Final Thoughts
White Sands National Park may be in the middle of nowhere, but there’s a reason it’s blown up on social media. It’s just so unique and an absolute dream for photographers! But everyone can marvel at the colors of the dunes and have fun sledding down them.
Don’t close that tab just yet…Where to Next in New Mexico?
I’ve vanlifed through all of New Mexico on a 5 month Southwest van life trip! After having to scoure the internet for my trip, I want to put it all together for yours. Check out these other New Mexico destination guides.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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