6 Fun Things to do in White Sands National Park: New Mexico

I am a participant in affiliate programs, so basically I earn a small commission if you use any of the affiliate links on this post - at no extra cost to you! Dope right?

My first and so far only actual trip to New Mexico was for a 10 day road-trip centered around the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. I had technically been THROUGH New Mexico before driving, but I never stopped other than to for a quick gas tank refill. From the title of this blog post, you can probably guessed that on this trip I also found some things to do in White Sands National Park….and your guess would be correct.

I love visiting National Parks – of course I had to see White Sands! However, since it was only a 10 day New Mexico road-trip and about three days alone were eaten up by the Balloon Fiesta (no regrats) and New Mexico is not a small state…I only had time for one of New Mexico’s National Parks (White Sands) and I was only able to spend a few hours there.

Well…what the heck, how am I going to give helpful information?

I have a trick up my sleeve for that.

Or, rather, a person willing to offer some guidance out of the kindness of their heart haha. Specifically Melissa from Melissa’s Travel Journal! Melissa has been to the park a few times and knows her way around all the best things to do in White Sands National Park so I’ve enlisted her expertise to help me round out this blog post for ya!

The Basics

• State: New Mexico
• Nearest “big-ish” City: El Paso, TX (1.5hrs); Albuquerque, NM (3.5hrs)
• Closest International Airport: Las Cruces International Airport, (but the El Paso airport is bigger)
• Ancestral Lands: Mescalero Apache
• Best season to visit (in my opinion): Fall
• Transportation: You will need a car

White Sands National Park is located in New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert, in the southern region of the state. To give you a rough estimate, the park is about a 3.5 hour drive from Albuquerque, the most common city that folks fly into when visiting New Mexico.

Hours & Admission

Typically, the park is open daily from 7:00 AM – sunset, and the Visitor Centers are open from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. While planning your trip, I recommend checking the park’s website because they experience seasonal and occasional closures due to military testing on the White Sands Missile Range.

There is not public transit (more on that later), so chances are you’ll be tackling all the things to do in White Sands National Park with the aid of a car. To enter the park, each vehicle requires a pass. The park offers passes for individuals, private vehicles, and commercial vehicles like vans and buses. 

• Standard Entrance Pass: $15 – $25 USD (depending on vehicle size)
• Annual Entrance Pass: $45 USD
• America The Beautiful Pass: $80 USD

Passes can be purchased online ahead of time or when you arrive at the gate depending on your needs. As someone who typically visits at least two National Parks a year, I buy the “America the Beautiful” pass every year for $80 USD. It’s kind of steep but you do end up saving money if you frequent National Parks or lands managed by the US Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. That said, a few folks can get discounted or free America the Beautiful Passes!

• Seniors (62+ years old): the annual pass is $20, or a lifetime pass for $80.
• Current US military (and dependents): annual pass is free
• Veterans and Gold Star Family members: lifetime pass is free
• Disabled citizens & permanent residents: lifetime pass is free (and many sites off discount on amenity fees such as camping and guided tours)
• 4th grade educators and 4th grade students: “annual” pass is free during the 4th grade school

What’s the Deal?

Okay, so why should you even be looking into things to do in White Sands National Park? Well, first of all, the place is massive—covering a jaw-dropping 275 square miles (713 square kilometers). That’s a whole lot of space for a whole lotta sand.

The sand is soft and white, like what you’d find at a beach club in the Cayman Islands. But I’m using the term sand generously; it’s actually gypsum crystals, which are very soft minerals/rocks. In contrast, most beach sand is often comprised of harder rocks like feldspar and quartz and mixed with shells and coral and other marine things.

White Sands National Park is home to the largest gypsum sand dune field in the world, and what makes it extra special is how the sand remains cool to the touch, even under the blazing sun. This is because gypsum has unique thermal properties that prevent it from absorbing heat like regular sand, letting it reflect sunlight and stay surprisingly cool, even on the hottest days. Honestly, I could end the post right here with “see the sand stuff” as being the top things to do in White Sands National Park. It’s that cool.

The area was recognized as a National Monument in 1933 (late compared to other protected outdoor spaces) and only became an official National Park in 2019 (becoming the 62nd National Park!). So its title is fairly recent, but its historic importance and cultural significance is intrinsically tied to the Indigenous people who have stewarded the land since time immemorial.

Are Pets Allowed?

If you haven’t been to many (or any) National Parks, lemme catch you up on a lesser known fact – they are not pet friendly. Usually, pets (dogs are the main focus, but technically all pets) are not allowed on park trails to protect the integrity of the environment as well for the pets’ own safety as there are wild animals and various plants located in the park.

And leaving your pets in the car while you explore the National Park is not ideal or recommended either.

But in this specific instance, yes, dogs and pets are welcome at White Sands National Park! There are a few rules to keep in mind, like keeping them on a leash and picking up after them. 

YES, PETS MUST BE ON LEASHES AT ALL TIMES. I don’t care how good your dog’s recall is. Keep them leashed.

One of the best things about the gypsum sand is that it stays cool, even when the temperatures outside are high, so your pets can comfortably walk on it. When Melissa visited in September, the weather was perfect for both her and the dogs—they absolutely loved playing in it! 

I’ve been in a lot of different sandy conditions and White Sands definitely has the coolest. Pun intended.

Whatever you do though, do NOT leave your pets inside the car as temperatures inside the car can become 25 degrees hotter than outside in just ten minutes.

When to Visit

When it comes to the best time to visit White Sands, it all depends on what you’re looking for, though all the best things to do in White Sands National Park are available year-round.

The peak tourist season is during spring break (late March/early-mid April), the summer months, and major US holidays. Though if you prefer to beat the crowds, visiting during off-peak months is a game-changer. I visited in September and I practically had the entire park to myself. Melissa said the same thing about visiting in February as well!

Spring is a fantastic time to visit, with mild temperatures between 70°F and 80°F and the desert blooming with colorful wildflowers. Summer can get pretty intense, with temperatures often reaching over 100°F, but moonlit hikes offer a cool alternative for stargazing.

Fall is also great, offering warm days without the summer crowds. Winter, with cooler temperatures around 50°F to 60°F, gives you a peaceful, quiet visit with fewer tourists, making it a lovely time to explore.

How to Get There

While it is technically a “tourist” destination, White Sands National Park is also kind of out of the way. Which…makes sense because most National Parks are out of the way (except Redwoods National Park, one of my favorites!). With that in mind, there is no public transportation directly to the park. 

The best way to get to White Sands National Park is by car, which also makes it a great stop for any road-trip in the area. Of course, a New Mexico road-trip is a given, but it can also be done as a pit stop driving from Texas to Sedona, or up from El Paso as the airport is even closer than the Albuquerque airport.

Note that the park allows cars, motorcycles, and RVs, so choose your vehicle of choice! The sky’s the limit on things to do in White Sands National Park, which leads me to the next section…

Things to Do in White Sands National Park

YESSSS we’ve finally arrived to the main point of this post. All the fun and unique things to do in White Sands National Park. So you can pretty much do all of these things to do in White Sands National Park in a day if you give yourself enough time, buuut the numerical amount of time needed to explore the park really depends on how much you want to do and see.

For a quick visit, you can explore just the main areas and take the scenic drive in about 2–3 hours. If you want to go hiking, enjoy the dunes, or participate in activities like sledding, plan for a half day or longer. If you really soak in the experience or do more extensive exploring, a full day would be ideal. 

Let’s officially get into this list of things to do in White Sands National Park!

1. Scenic Drive

When you arrive at the entrance station, the park ranger will hand you a map—be sure to keep it handy! Once you’re inside, a narrow road leads you deeper into the park, where you can pull over and explore at your leisure. Honestly, the scenic drives are always my favorite part of any National Park, and White Sands is no different.

I suggest driving the Dunes Drive loop first and scoping out the spots that catch your eye so you can decide where to stop and soak it all in. If you just drive around the park and don’t get out, you can see most things in two hours with a stop by the visitor center and gift shop.

I want to dispel the notion that seeing a National Park by car is a “lesser” experience than those who hike or camp or anything else. National Parks are beautiful and have scenic drives for a reason, and it’s one of the most accessible things to do in White Sands or any other park. Enjoy the drive!!

2. Hiking

That said, if you do choose to leave your vehicle, hiking is an amazing way to fully immerse yourself in the dreamy, otherworldly landscape of White Sands while sneaking in a bit of exercise. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a seasoned athlete to enjoy the hikes. Trails for all levels are located throughout the park.

These are the park’s five designated hiking trails: 

1. Interdune Boardwalk (0.4 miles, easy)
2. Playa Trail (0.5 miles, easy)
3. Dune Life Nature Trail (1 mile loop, moderate)
4. Backcountry Camping Trail (2 miles, moderate)
5. Alkali Flat Trail (5 miles round trip, strenuous)

So nothing to outrageous with lots of short beginner-friendly hikes. If you’re heading out on the trails, be sure to come prepared and keep an eye on the trail markers—trust me, it’s easy to lose your bearings in the endless sea of white dunes!

3. Picnic

Having a picnic is one of the best things to do in White Sands…when you get hungry! But also in general because it’s such a beautiful backdrop for your lunch! The park has several designated picnic spots, complete with covered tables, grills, and trash cans. That said, campfires are not allowed in the park, as in most other desert parks, so always use a lightweight portable stove for cooking if you’re not using the grill.

They also have public restrooms nearby the sites, so you can wash your hands (pls) and do your business before moving on to the other fun things to do in White Sands!

4. Sledding

Sledding at White Sands is an absolute must-try activity for visitors of all ages. The smooth, powdery gypsum dunes create the perfect slopes for sliding down on a sled. And it’s just something different!

You can bring your own or purchase ($24.99) or rent one ($15 deposit/$10 charge) at the visitor center, along with some wax ($2.99) to keep it gliding smoothly. Once you’ve found your ideal dune, all you need is a bit of momentum to enjoy a ride down these unique white slopes.

5. Shop

What trip isn’t complete without visiting a gift shop? Not gonna lie, it was one of my favorite things to do in White Sands…and basically all National Parks. I just love cute magnets okay???

Located near the entrance, the visitor center is housed in a historic adobe-style building built in the 1930s, which adds a charming Southwest touch. Inside, you’ll find a museum with exhibits explaining the park’s unique geology, ecosystem, and cultural history, as well as a gift shop. 

The gift shop lets you purchase souvenirs and ask park rangers questions to help plan your day. Public restrooms and water stations are available here, so it’s a convenient spot to prepare before heading into the dunes. Now that I think about it…I probably should have listed this point first because I recommend stopping by first!

6. (Epic) Photo Shoot

Okay, technically this is EXTREMELY optional but…when in Rome right?? The landscape is just TOO cool!! You’re already there so snap a few cute pictures! Maybe even bring a cool outfit? And whip out some poses you’ve had stored in your deep subconscious since America’s Next Top Model cycle 3.

Or yanna, a quick selfie.

Whatever you’re into.

Tips for Visiting

As you prepare for all the fun things to do in White Sands, we have some quick tips to make your visit smooth and can also be applied to other sandy parks like Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado) and Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana lol).

First, it’s important to dress for comfort and protection. In the warmer months, lightweight, breathable clothing is key. Think moisture-wicking fabrics like quick-dry shirts and pants. You’ll also want to wear a hat or cap for sun protection, along with sunglasses to shield your eyes from the intense sunlight reflecting off the white gypsum sand.

As someone traveling with hypothyroidism, I always travel with a UV blocking umbrella if I spend extended time outdoors but it really helps in desert climates for everyone!

In the cooler months, layering is essential, as temperatures can drop, especially during early mornings and evenings. It can also get windy. I also recommend sturdy shoes or boots especially if you plan on hiking on the dunes. While the sand is soft, it is difficult to walk on without supportive footwear.

Since there are no restaurants or cafes at the park, be sure to pack all the meals, snacks, and drinks that you might want during your visit and on the drive over! Make sure to shake out your shoes before getting back in the car because the sand might just come home with you haha.

Conclusion

And there you have it, a whole bunch of cool and fun things to do in White Sands National Park! In case you’re wondering if White Sands is worth the drive, YES! White Sands National Park is definitely worth a visit.

It might not be the easiest place to get to, but the effort pays off. The views are simply breathtaking, and there’s so many things to do in White Sands—whether you’re into hiking, sledding down the dunes, or just snapping photos of the surreal scenery. It’s one of those peaceful, otherworldly places you won’t find anywhere else.

Like…actually though. White Sands is so freakin’ UNIQUE!!!

Plus, if you’re already in New Mexico or the American Southwest, it’s a great opportunity to explore even more amazing spots nearby.

Thank you for reading and HUGE thank you to Melissa for helping me compile this great list of all the cool things to do in White Sands National Park. Definitely go check out her blog Melissa Travel Journal to keep up with her travels and get the scoop of both domestic and international destinations!

Are you planning on going to the park? Let me know if you have any other questions that I might’ve skipped in this post. If you’ve already visited, what would you recommend as your favorite things to do in White Sands? How did the park meet your own expectations? Let me know in the comments below!

Pin These Things to do in White Sands National Park

Sharing is caring!