National Park · New Mexico
White Sands National Park
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
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Biking
- Road Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
Weather & when to go
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.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Per vehicle fee is charged to visitors for entry by a single, private non-commercial vehicle. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
Per person fee is charged to visitors for entry by means other than a single, private non-commercial vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who enter the park by walking and bicycling. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.
$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
$50.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
$60.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
$150.00
Operating hours
Standard Park 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
Campgrounds
Backcountry Camping
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit White Sands National Park?
- Entrance to White Sands National Park costs $25.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person), $20.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at White Sands National Park?
- 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
- Do I need a reservation for White Sands National Park?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter White Sands National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring White Sands National Park.
Best Hikes in White Sands National Park: Top Trails
A trail-by-trail guide to hiking White Sands National Park, where marked routes cross the world's largest field of white gypsum dunes in New Mexico.
National Parks Near Santa Fe: Best Trips
The best national parks near Santa Fe, from Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands, with drive times and trip-planning tips.
National Parks Near Albuquerque: Best Trips
The best national parks within reach of Albuquerque, with drive times and desert-travel tips.
National Parks in New Mexico: Full Guide
New Mexico’s two national parks, White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns, plus nearby stops and the best time to visit.