What to Know Before Visiting White Sands National Park

Visiting White Sands National Park is unlike anywhere else in the United States! The landscape feels almost surreal with endless waves of bright white gypsum dunes stretching as far as you can see, glowing like snow in the desert sun.

But it’s also a place where a little preparation goes a long way.

If you know what to expect before you arrive, you’ll have a much smoother — and more memorable visit.

This is one of the most important- and most overlooked things to know before heading to visit White Sands National Park, in fact, an unexpected closure happened to us the last time we visited the park.

White Sands shares land with the nearby White Sands Missile Range, which means the park can close temporarily and without much warning for testing activity. These closures don’t happen every day, but when they do, the park can shut down completely for several hours. When we visited, there was an F-16 crash somewhere in the missile range, so they closed the majority of the National Park! Even though the main park was closed, they did allow visitors to access the Dune Life Nature Trail. Before you go check the official NPS Park website the morning of your visit and double check for alerts and closures.

Before you go:

• Check the official NPS park website the morning of your visit
• Look for any notices about missile testing or road closures

If you’re on a tight schedule or just passing through on a road trip, this step is essential.

Sledding down the dunes is one of the most unexpectedly fun things you can do here – yes, even for adults. The ones that work best are the round disks, and they are usually for sale in the gift shop. But… sleds can sell out- OR the visitor center might be closed when you arrive. You can usually find them at the park gift shop or at local stores in Alamogordo, but during busy seasons, they go fast. It’s worth picking one up before entering the park.

Don’t forget to wax the sled- it will glide much better that way! The gypsum sand has a fine, almost powdery texture that makes for a surprisingly quick ride.

You will find sand in your car for months to come after visiting white sands! Gypsum sand is incredibly fine, almost like powdered sugar. It will find its way into your shoes, your bags, and your camera gear. A small towel or brush for your feet and a zippered bag for electronics go a long way.

If you bring your dog to the park, then forget it, you will never get rid of the sand! 😂

Here’s the part that surprises most people, though: the sand stays cool underfoot, even in summer. Unlike regular quartz beach sand, gypsum doesn’t absorb heat the same way. You can walk barefoot across the dunes in July without burning your feet — which is genuinely remarkable in a desert environment. It’s one of those “wait, really?” moments that makes White Sands feel even more otherworldly.

From a distance, the dunes look smooth and easy to navigate. In reality, hiking here takes more effort than most people expect- each step sinks slightly, distances feel longer than they appear, and you’ll tire out faster than you would on a regular trail.

The good news is that you don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it. Just:

• Start with shorter walks before committing to longer ones
• Take your time.. this isn’t a place to rush
• Bring more water than you think you’ll need, even for a casual outing

It’s not difficult in a technical sense. It’s just surprisingly physical, and knowing that ahead of time helps.

If your schedule allows, plan your visit around sunset.

As the sun drops lower, the dunes shift in color from blinding white to soft gold, then pale blue in the shadows. The contrast becomes more dramatic, the temperature drops to something genuinely pleasant, and the crowds thin out considerably. Walking the dunes in that last hour of light is a different experience than anything you’ll get at midday.

It’s cooler, quieter, and far more comfortable for photography and walking. However, this is no secret, and there will be LOTS of groups, especially photography and modeling sessions out at sunset. Walk away from the crowds, and find a nice hill to sit at, and enjoy the show!

The park stays open late on select evenings each month, and the experience of walking the dunes under a full moon is genuinely hard to describe. The white gypsum reflects the moonlight and the dunes seem to glow from within — no flashlight needed. It’s quietly spectacular in a way that daytime visits can’t replicate.

The National Park Service also offers ranger-led full moon hikes — free, approximately one mile, and a wonderful way to experience the landscape with added context and storytelling. These are popular and sometimes require advance tickets, so check the NPS website when planning your trip. They’re very much in the spirit of the kind of travel experiences that reward a little extra planning.

• Entrance fees: The park charges a standard National Park fee. If you have an America the Beautiful Annual Pass, it’s accepted here — one more reason that pass pays for itself quickly.
• The only road in is Dunes Drive — it’s easy to navigate and well-marked.
• Cell service can be limited once you’re inside the park. Download any maps or info you need before you arrive.
• Sunglasses are essential. The white sand reflects a tremendous amount of light, even on overcast days.
• Bring significantly more water than you think you’ll need. There is no water available once you’re out in the dunefield.

White Sands once offered a rare and special experience: primitive backcountry camping directly in the dunes, about a mile hike from the trailhead. For those who did it, sleeping under the stars surrounded by glowing white sand was unforgettable.

As of 2024, however, backcountry camping has been suspended indefinitely while the NPS rehabilitates the sites and trail. There is no confirmed reopening date.

White Sands is simple in the best possible way. There aren’t dozens of attractions competing for your attention — just one of the most unusual and quietly beautiful landscapes in the country.

Arrive prepared, slow down, and give yourself enough time to let the place sink in. The visitors who get the most out of White Sands are usually the ones who weren’t in a hurry.

White Sands is the reason most people make the drive to this corner of New Mexico- but it’s far from the only reason to be here. Alamogordo and the surrounding area have more going on than most visitors realize, and if you’re already making the trip, it’s worth knowing what else is worth your time. I put together a full guide to the best things to do in Alamogordo beyond the dunes and there are some really fun sights to see!