Sunset. Photo: NPS Photo
- Entrance
- $25 per car
- Nonresident fee
- None
- Park annual pass
- $45, U.S. residents
- Payment
- Card or cash
Work out the cost for your group
About White Sands
Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.
Things to do
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Hiking Alkali Flat Trail
Imagine yourself surrounded by the spectacular views of endless dunes with few footprints.
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Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail
Are you looking for expansive views of snow-white gypsum dunes for miles?
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Hiking Dune Life Nature Trail
The Dune Life Nature Trail is full of life!
-
Hiking Interdune Boardwalk
The Interdune Boardwalk is an elevated boardwalk that leads you through the fragile interdune area to a scenic view of the dune field and the Sacramento mountains.
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Hiking the Ice Age Trail
This level, family-friendly trail interprets the Ice Age history of the Tularosa Basin
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Picnicking at White Sands
White Sands National Park offers three picnic areas where people can enjoy shade, relaxation, and access to the parks incredible dunes.
Photos
Aerial of Dunefield Photo: NPS Photo 
Ripples Photo: NPS Photo 
Fall Colors Photo: NPS Photo 
Shaded Dunes Photo: NPS Photo
Entrance fees
| Type | Price | Valid for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $25 | 7 days | All year |
| Per person, 16 and over | $15 | 7 days | All year |
Park annual pass
This pass admits the pass holder and three persons (16 years and older) in a private non-commercial vehicle into the park for free for a period of one year from month of purchase. It can only be purchased at the entrance station to White Sands National Park. This pass does not apply to special use fees, such as camping and interpretive program fees.
A park's own annual pass is sold to U.S. citizens and residents only. A U.S. resident who holds one covers everyone in their private vehicle, including nonresident passengers.
Reservations
NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.
Weather and seasons
Temperatures at White Sands vary greatly throughout the year. Summer time temperatures can be very hot. Winters are mild with cool evenings. Spring time is the windy season. Fall is very enjoyable with mild daytime and night time temperatures.
Hours
The park gates always open at 7:00 am with closing hours changing with sunset. The park closes 30 minutes after local sunset. Local sunset is 8 minutes earlier than Alamogordo's predicted sunset. Sunset times can be found at https://sunrise-sunset.org/us/alamogordo-nm
Getting there
White Sands National Park is located off of US Highway 70 between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo. The park is about 15 miles west of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces.
Campgrounds
Visitor centers
Alerts
- Park Closure: Dunes Drive Safety Corridor
- Information: Backcountry Camping Closed
- Information: Interdune Boardwalk Closed
- Information: Park Closures
- Information: RV and Tractor Trailer Parking at the Visitor Center
