13 Top Things to do in White Sands New Mexico 2021
White Sands National Park is one of the most unique national parks in the United States. It is known for the sparkling bright white sand dunes that fill the park. The distinct bright white color of the sand is due to gypsum. The dunes found within the park are actually the largest gypsum sand dune field on the planet.
We wanted to go there for so long after we saw pictures of it and we are telling you that it’s completely worth it! That’s why we put together our guide with 13 Top Things to do in White Sands, New Mexico.
Table of Contents
How are the White Sands created?
Is White Sands New Mexico worth visiting?
How much time do you need at White Sands?
When to visit White Sands New Mexico?
How much does it cost to visit White Sands New Mexico?
13 Top Things to do in White Sands New Mexico 2021
Where to buy sleds for White Sands?
White Sands New Mexico ATV or buggy
Where to stay when visiting White Sands NM
What should you bring for visiting White Sands?
Wrap up: 13 Top Things to do in White Sands New Mexico 2021
How are the White Sands created?
The white sands that fill the national park are formed from gypsum. Over 250 million years ago, White Sands National Park and a majority of current New Mexico was blanketed with a now-extinct sea. With the area surrounding the sea becoming increasingly warmer and drier, the sea over time evaporated until nothing remained but the deposits of gypsum.
As the Rocky Mountains formed, the layers of gypsum sedimentation were elevated and that’s how White Sands National Park was formed.
Is White Sands New Mexico worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely! The White Sands are absolutely gorgeous! When visiting, you feel like you are in a completely different world surrounded by white dunes that never end. The pictures all over the park look awesome and you can throw in some fun by going for a hike, hanging out at one of the picnic tables, or by going sledding.
Other than that, it has an interesting history! The Missile range located next to White Sands National Park is the site of the Trinity test which was the first explosion in history of a nuclear device. Click here to learn more about the history of white sands and the neighboring military bases.
How much time do you need at White Sands?
It depends. If you just want to drive through the White Sand Dunes, that would take you 45 minutes so let’s say that you could do the park in an hour. But, if you want to take your time to take pictures, maybe go hiking, sledding, or going for a picnic, then you might need more than that. We were there only for pictures, a bit of exploring, sledding, and driving around and we spent 3 good hours there. Because we visited the park in the summer, we wanted to make sure to get to the park early and leave before the sand got too hot
When to visit White Sands New Mexico?
The perfect months to visit White Sands New Mexico are in spring, fall, and winter. The temperatures in summer could go up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you do decide to go in summer make sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen or go in the morning right when the park opens. We went in July at 7 am and it was chilly and nice but not too cold. We made sure to leave before the sand got too hot to handle.
If you’re thinking to go in the second week of September, Alamogordo (15.7 miles away) hosts an annual Hot Air Balloon Festival so make sure to check it out if you’re in the area.
Before checking the park’s hours keep in mind that on some days the Missile range that is located next to the park conducts missile tests and the White Sands National Park will be closed leading up to and for the duration of the test. We went to the park without knowing that and without checking the website and we had to turn around so please visit the national park’s page before going.
Here are the park’s hours:
How much does it cost to visit White Sands New Mexico?
We totally recommend getting an America The Beautiful pass which is $80/year if you visit more than 3-4 national parks, monuments, and recreational areas. If that’s not something that it’s suitable for you, the entrance fee to enter the White Sands National Park is $25/vehicle and $20/ motorcycle.
13 Top Things to do in White Sands New Mexico 2021
1. Interdune Boardwalk
The easiest thing that you could do in the park that’s enjoyable would be to walk the Interdune Boardwalk. It is a 0.4-mile round-trip path that’s fully wheelchair accessible. It is an amazing walk to and throuh the dunes and you could also see some nature.
2. Playa Trail
Playa Trail is a half-mile road trip and it takes you to a beach area. Based on what time of the year you visit White Sands National Park you might be able to see water in the pond.
3. Dune Life Nature Trail
Dune Life Nature Trail is a 1-mile loop hike that involves a little bit of climbing dunes. Follow the blue trail markers with a club symbol. The views are really nice and you might be able to see foxes, birds, reptiles and it’s totally worth it.
4. Backcountry Camping Trail
Backcountry Camping Trail is a 2-mile hike loop that takes you through the world’s largest gypsum dune field and you’ll have to pass several steep dunes and loose sand. Follow the orange spade and make sure that you’re seeing the next marker before you proceed so you won’t get lost.
5. Alkali Flat Trail
Alkali Flat Trail is considered the most challenging trail in White Sands National Park. It is a 5 miles loop and it brings you to what was a lake. It’s a challenging hike especially if you don’t do it first thing in the morning so make sure that you bring enough water, snacks, and sunscreen.
6. Go to the Visitor Center and take a Ranger guided tour
We recommend going to the Visitor Center and learn the history of the White Sands National Park because it is pretty interesting and unique. From there you could take a ranger-guided tour and go for a sunset or sunrise hike, a full moon hike, or a tour to Lake Lucero. All of them are very beautiful and we totally recommend them.
7. Sand Dune sledding
No visit to White Sands New Mexico would be complete without sliding down the massive mounds of gypsum. Many people expect sledding down the sand to be the same as sledding on snow, but there are actually some big differences. Because sand is not slippery unlike snow, sledding may be more difficult to get the hang of.
Circular snow sleds with a wax-covered plastic bottom are ideal for sliding down the dunes. These sleds are available for purchase in the White Sands Visitor Center store or from Amazon. We found the best ones to be these and if you want one for 2 people or you prefer the long ones instead of the round ones, click here.
Please make sure to be safe when sledding down the sand dunes as injuries are fairly common in the park due to sledding. Don’t slide down the dunes into roads or parking lots as this is the most common way to get injured while sledding. Please make sure to supervise children when they sled to prevent them from flipping or sliding unsafely.
Also, do not stand on the sled as this is a very common way people flip especially due to the differences in sand vs snow sledding. Please make sure to avoid turning in the sled when sliding down dunes and make sure to slide sitting. Do not under any circumstances slide head first.
8. Get an Adventure Pack from The Visitor Center
An Adventure Pack includes an animal guide, compass, binoculars, which can all be used as much as you want while visiting the park. Using them could make your visit more exciting, especially for kids. Just make sure that when you’re done with them, you return them back to the Visitor Center.
9. Take a drive through the dunes
In our opinion driving through dunes was an amazing experience and very unique. On the left and right you will see white sand dunes and you’ll feel like you are on a different planet.
What you’d want to know is that the first 5 miles are paved and the last 3 miles are sandy but it’s very easily accessible no matter what vehicle you have. We went with a Honda Civic and we didn’t have any issues.
There are many stops through the drive where you could stop and go on the dunes or take a picnic so make sure you’re discovering all the awesome places first before leaving the park.
10. Visit Lake Lucero
Lake Lucero is the place where the dunes started and it is fascinating to see it. The rangers host a three hours tour and you’ll get to see how the gypsum forms and multiple crystals. It costs $8/ person for people 16+ and $4/person for anyone under 16 years old. Make sure that you make a reservation because spots fill up quickly. To find out more, click here.
11. Take a picnic
Taking a picnic in the White Sands National Park is an incredible experience. You’re surrounded by white dunes and usually by not so many people which makes it a very relaxing moment. To get to the picnic area you have to drive a little towards the end of the park which is not very far. They have a couple of those areas so pick whichever one you like.
12. Camp In The Dunes Backcountry
If you’d like to spend a couple of days in the middle of the white sand dunes, camping in the surrounding area might be for you. The park doesn’t have organized campgrounds but they allow visitors to camp in the dunes backcountry.
Before you go make sure that they are open, and that it’s not too hot! In summer especially the temperatures could go up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Brings lots of water and food and camp safely!
13. Native Plant Garden tour
Right outside the White Sands Visitor Center, you’ll see the Native Plant Garden. You can go visit it for free and you’ll get the chance to learn about the plants that live in the Chihuahuan Desert. Isn’t it fascinating that there are still plants and animals living in the arid and dry desert?
Where to buy sleds for White Sands?
The easiest and cheapest option is to buy them from amazon. We chose the right circle ones that we found here and they were perfect! If you prefer a longer one or 2 people one we recommend this one.
White Sands New Mexico ATV or buggy
There are a couple of places from where you can rent ATVs or buggies and believe us, it’s so much fun to rend a buggy and go on dunes. The company that we recommend is RentaUTV and they are located not very far from the beautiful White Sands. The employees are professional and the reviews are awesome! Book a tour with them here!
Where to stay when visiting White Sands NM
When it comes to the perfect spots to stay we think that you have 2 options.
1. Stay in Las Cruces and drive 52 miles to the park. This is where we stayed because we wanted to visit White Sands as well as additional areas surrounding Las Cruces. Here is a link to all the hotels in Las Cruces. We stayed in a cute Airbnb in a very peaceful area. You can find it here.
2. Stay in Alamogordo and drive 16 miles to the park. Alamogordo is definitely way closer to the park and it has multiple hotels and apartments. Here is the link to all hotels.
What should you bring for visiting White Sands?
Here is what we find to be essential to pack for a trip to White Sands.
Reusable water bottle: Water is so essential when you go on an adventure trip so if you’re out and about exploring the White Sands we’d recommend bringing a reusable water bottles. We always use our Nalgene bottles because they are easy to track how much water we are drinking and 50% of the bottle is made from plastic waste.
Hiking boots if you plan on hiking: We both swear by our Salomon hiking boots and they are an excellent choice for all terrains. They are very durable, good for holding your ankles. We took them everywhere and they performed perfectly! Click here to see Laura’s boots and here for Nick’s. If you aren’t a big fan of hiking boots, then we recommend using a pair of trail runners instead.
Sun hat: It is very important to protect you head and your skin from sun while hiking in White Sands. Nick really likes this sun hat because of how breathable it is.
Sunscreen: It’s an absolute must and we swear by the ones that Le Roche Posay have. We usually use the 60 spf one but they have other options for more or less spf.
Clothing: It really makes a difference if you wear light-colored clothes, especially in summer. Another tip that we have is to wear lightweight and breathable long pants and long sleeve clothes to protect you from the sun. There are so many brands out there that make sun-protect clothes from really light materials.
Wrap up: 13 Top Things to do in White Sands New Mexico 2021
White Sand New Mexico was one of the most beautiful places we’ve seen and we are not surprised that some people choose to do their engagement or wedding pictures there. There are seemingly seas of glistening white everywhere you look and it’s extremely peaceful!
We totally recommend visiting it for its amazing dunes and make sure to try out sledding or riding a dune buggy for more adrenaline!