Is White Sands National Park Worth Visiting in 2024?
Are you wondering if White Sands National Park is worth visiting? I had the opportunity to explore this national park during my week-long trip across New Mexico and am here to share my firsthand experience and insights.
White Sands National Park welcomes over 700,000 visitors all across the U.S. each year and is the most frequented national park in New Mexico. The park is well known for its white gypsum dunes and cotton candy sunsets.
It’s also one of the newer additions to the growing list of U.S. national parks. While White Sands was originally designated as a national monument in 1933, it wasn’t until 2019 that it officially gained national park status.
With all that being said, is White Sands National Park worth the trip for YOU? I’ll answer this question and so much more to help you decide.
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Is White Sands National Park Worth Visiting?
Let’s dive right into it. Yes, White Sands National Park is definitely worth visiting. BUT, it’s important to set expectations. You don’t need to allocate a full week to visit this national park. To be honest, a few hours at White Sands is really all you need.
If you’re staying in Santa Fe or Albuquerque and wondering if the 3.5-hour drive is justified for spending a similar amount of time exploring the park, I would say it depends. I would recommend visiting White Sands if one of the below applies:
- You enjoy photography and want to capture the park’s beauty
- It’s your goal to visit every national park in the U.S.
- You wish to have a professional photoshoot with your partner in the park
- If your New Mexico vacation extends beyond three days*
- For those flying into or out of El Paso, TX (a 1.5-hour drive from White Sands)
- You have an interest in earth sciences and ecology (White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field)
*If your time is limited in New Mexico (you are visiting for 3 days or less), I would recommend exploring the surrounding area near Santa Fe (e.g., Bandelier National Monument, Taos, Chimayo, etc.) instead of spending hours in the car driving to and from White Sands National Park.
Fun Fact: If you’ve seen the popular movie, Oppenheimer, the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated ~60 miles north of White Sands National Park. Known as the Manhattan Project Trinity Site, the US Army opens up the site to the public twice a year. This occurs on the first Saturday in April and the third Saturday in October, allowing visitors to explore remnants like an obelisk.
Things to Do in White Sands National Park
There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy at White Sands National Park. Here are some of the top ways to spend your time in the park.
1. Sled down a sand dune
One of the top things to do in White Sands National Park is sled down the sand dunes. Pick a steep east-facing hill for the best sledding. Some of the tallest dunes at White Sands can be found near the Alkali Flat trailhead parking area.
You can buy a plastic snow saucer at the gift shop near the park’s entrance. I would also highly recommend purchasing a wax stick to apply to the bottom of the saucer. It will make you go MUCH faster! The total cost of the saucer and wax stick was about $30, as of September 2023.
The park’s gift shop closes at 5 p.m., so if you plan to purchase a saucer here, ensure you do so in advance.
TIP: You have the option to bring your own saucer. Amazon has some affordable saucers for sale in all different colors and sizes.
I’ve also heard visitors sometimes leave saucers around the park for others to use (e.g., near the visitor center or around the picnic tables). While we didn’t find any during our visit, it’s still a good idea to check before buying a new one.
2. Go on a hike
There are five marked trails for visitors to enjoy in White Sands National Park, ranging in a variety of lengths and difficulties. Dogs are welcome on all trails, but they must be on a leash. No matter which path you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water.
- Alkali Flat Trail — a 4.4-mile loop that is well-marked and popular among hikers. The best time to visit this trail is September-April or in the early mornings and late evenings during the hot summers.
- Dune Life Nature Trail — a 1-mile family-friendly hike that’s great for exploring the unique ecosystem of White Sands.
- Playa Trail — a quick in and out .5 mile trail (round-trip) that provides a great introduction to the national park.
- Backcountry Camping Trail — one of the more well-liked trails at White Sands; it’s a 1.8-mile loop trail that takes about 30 minutes to complete.
There are also park ranger-guided tours that you can join for free or a small fee:
- Sunset stroll — Offered daily and is approximately one mile (1.6 km) in length.
- Full Moon Night — Offered on the night of the full moon from May through October and is an easy .25-mile (400-meter) walk from the parking lot to the amphitheater; and includes live music.
- Full Moon Hike — Offered once a month, March through November, on the night before the full moon and is one mile (1.61 km) long; Buy tickets in advance!
- Lake Lucero Tour — Offered once a month in November through March and is 1.5 miles (2.41 km) over rough desert terrain and washes; Buy tickets in advance!
3. Have a picnic
The Roadrunner Picnic area is a great place to enjoy a nice lunch while you take in the views. The picnic tables are all sheltered, providing relief from the desert sun.
Good to know: All picnic areas also have grills and restrooms nearby — but no water stations (water is not available beyond the visitor center).
White Sands National Park lacks on-site dining options, and choices nearby are limited, so I would recommend packing a lunch beforehand or picking up something in Las Cruces or Alamogordo, depending on where you are staying.
4. Book a photoshoot
White Sands National Park is a fantastic spot to capture special occasions (engagement sessions, elopements, senior photos, etc.). My husband and I did just this. We celebrated our 1-year wedding anniversary by hiring a local photographer to mark the occasion.
If you don’t already have a photographer in mind, I recommend searching for “White Sands photographer” on Google or the hashtags #whitesandsphotographer or #lascrucesphotographer on Instagram.
Two local photographers that I would personally recommend are Vanessa of Vfineemoments (who took our photos) and Sarah Lotus Photography.
5. Watch the orientation film
Explore the Visitor Center, located at the front of the park, and watch the 17-minute park film which plays every 30 minutes from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The film provides an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the fascinating geology and flora and fauna that have adapted to this unusual environment.
Where to Stay Near White Sands National Park
When planning a visit to the national park, I’d suggest staying in one of these three areas: Alamogordo, Las Cruces, or Cloudcroft.
- Alamogordo — closest option to White Sands National Park (20-minute drive)
- Las Cruces — the largest city in proximity to White Sands National Park with plenty of hotel and restaurant options nearby (50-minute drive)
- Cloudcroft — the most scenic town near White Sands National Park; think small, picturesque mountain village (40-minute drive)
Best Places to Stay in Alamogordo
Alamogordo, located 15 miles to the northeast of White Sands National Park, offers the closest option. The town is bordered by the Sacramento Mountains, making it a great scenic spot to rest your head for the night.
All hotels listed below offer complimentary snow saucers for guests to borrow and enjoy at White Sands National Park, saving you $25+.
- Hampton Inn Alamogordo — A 2-star hotel that combines comfort, convenience, and amenities such as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and free breakfast.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Alamogordo — The hotel provides spacious, well-designed suites that feel like a home away from home. Guests can also take advantage of the Hilton Honors program, earning points during their stay.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamogordo — A budget-friendly hotel that provides you with great service and friendly staff, plus free cookies at check-in.
Best Places to Stay in Las Cruces
Las Cruces is located about 54 miles southwest of White Sands National Park. You’ll pass by the White Sands Missle Range and the Organ Mountains (another great photo opp). Las Cruces is a great option if you plan to fly out of El Paso (1-hour drive).
P.S. Eat at Andele’s Dog House while you are here. (SO GOOD!)
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Las Cruces — This hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms as well as a year-round outdoor pool and fitness center with a Peloton bike. My husband and I stayed here and would highly recommend it!
- Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces — A Spanish-inspired hotel with tons of old-world charm that’s within walking distance to restaurants and shopping.
- Drury Inn & Suites Las Cruces — Provides the best bang for your buck with free breakfast, dinner, and drinks (including adult beverages) for each guest.
Best Places to Stay in Cloudcroft
Cloudcroft is a quiet and scenic mountain village located in the Lincoln National Forest. Situated at an elevation of 8,600 feet, it offers a cool and tranquil escape from the desert heat. It’s a great stop if you are traveling to or from Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
- Grand Cloudcroft Hotel — Cloudcroft’s newest hotel that offers free continental breakfast and king beds in all the rooms.
- The Lodge at Cloudcroft — This alpine retreat, originally built in the late 19th century, offers a unique combination of rustic elegance and modern comfort.
- Cloudcroft Hostel — Located about 10 minutes from Cloudcroft, this cozy hostel offers bright and cheerful rooms along with a full kitchen to cook meals.
FAQs
If you have more questions about White Sands National Park, read on.
What is the best month to visit White Sands National Park?
The best time to visit White Sands National Park is during the fall months, specifically from mid-September to November. During this period, the weather is generally mild, making it more comfortable for outdoor activities.
The extreme summer heat (with temperatures soaring up to 110ºF/38ºC) and occasional winter storms between December and February make these seasons less ideal for a visit.
From July to September, White Sands also undergoes its monsoon season, increasing the likelihood of thunderstorms. Though, one of the best times to photograph the park is right after a rain storm.
In spring (March-May), the park often experiences strong winds, reaching up to 50 mph. These frequent windstorms may make it challenging to capture good photographs, so keep that in mind if you’re aiming for that “perfect shot”.
Do you need to make a reservation at White Sands National Park?
Advanced reservations are not mandatory to access White Sands National Park; however, all visitors must acquire an entrance pass upon arrival. The pass fee is $25.00 for private vehicles, $20.00 for motorcycles, and $15.00 for pedestrians.
If you live nearby or plan to visit the national park often, you can also purchase an Annual Entrance pass for $45. This pass grants you unlimited access for a full year. Or, you can use the America the Beautiful annual pass if you have one.
There are also a handful of “fee-free” days throughout the year where visitors do not have to pay to enter the national park:
- Monday, January 15 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
- Friday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
- Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
- Saturday, November 11 — Veterans Day
Is the sand hot at White Sands National Park?
Surprisingly, despite the park’s >100ºF summer temperatures, the sand at the park doesn’t become hot. That’s because White Sands feature gypsum dunes, which are firmer and cooler than other types of dunes and do not absorb heat from the sun.
For reference, my husband and I visited the national park in mid-September and though we were sweating from the desert heat, we were able to walk around barefoot on the sand without any discomfort.
Can you just drive through White Sands National Park?
YES! Sometimes you’re in the mood for a car-side sightseeing adventure. Luckily, White Sands is the perfect spot for it. You can soak in all its beauty right from the comfort of your car. The initial five miles are on a smooth paved road, and the final three miles take you on a sandy trail. The good news? The sand is compact gypsum, so no need for a four-wheel drive vehicle. Just enjoy the ride!
Final Thoughts
White Sands National Park is definitely a sight to see, but it’s not for everyone. The national park covers 2.2 million acres, so, as you can probably guess, there is not much to do or see nearby. Plus, the drive to reach the park will be off the beaten path.
And if you only have time to see one national park in New Mexico, I would probably lean more towards Carlsbad Caverns. If interested, check out this post about my top picks on where to stay near Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
However, the good thing about White Sands National Park is that because of its large size and remote location, you won’t be elbow-to-elbow with other tourists. Chances are, you’ll have a sand dune to yourself without the need to wait in line for a photo, which is quite common at other national parks today.
All in all, this national park was worth a visit in my book!
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