White Sands Vacation Guide 2025
White Sands National Park is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. With its endless sea of shimmering white gypsum dunes, this surreal landscape looks more like a snowy desert than a sun-baked one. It’s a must-visit destination for photographers, families, and outdoor lovers.
This White Sands vacation guide for 2025 will help you plan the perfect visit.
Why Visit White Sands?
Located in southern New Mexico, White Sands is the largest gypsum dune field in the world. Whether you’re hiking the dunes, sledding down their slopes, or catching a blazing sunset, it’s an otherworldly experience you won’t forget.
Top Reasons to Visit:
- One-of-a-kind scenery
- Sledding on sand dunes
- Family-friendly activities
- Stunning sunrises and sunsets
Top Things to Do at White Sands
1. Dune Sledding
Bring or buy a sled at the visitor center and slide down the soft, powdery dunes. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
2. Alkali Flat Trail
This 5-mile round-trip trail takes you deep into the dunes for dramatic views and a peaceful, remote experience.
3. Dunes Drive
An 8-mile scenic road into the heart of the dune field, perfect for a relaxing cruise or picnic.
4. Sunset Strolls
Rangers lead guided evening walks that highlight the park’s geology, history, and wildlife.
5. Full Moon Nights & Stargazing
Time your visit with a full moon or new moon to experience the dunes under a different kind of magic.
What to Bring
- Sled (waxed plastic works best)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Plenty of water
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- A camera: sunrise and sunset are golden hours here
Best Time to Visit White Sands
- Fall (Sept–Nov): Cooler temps and fewer crowds
- Spring (Mar–May): Pleasant weather and wildflowers
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet, peaceful, and perfect for solitude
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Can be extremely hot, we recommend visiting early morning or late evening
Where to Stay
There’s no lodging inside the park, but the nearby cities of Alamogordo and Las Cruces offer many options.
Top Picks:
- Fairfield Inn & Suites (Alamogordo) – Close to the park
- Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces – Stylish and upscale
- Local campgrounds and RV parks – Great for outdoor lovers
Day Trips from White Sands
- Alamogordo – Home to the New Mexico Museum of Space History
- Las Cruces – A charming town with art, food, and nature
- Three Rivers Petroglyph Site – Over 21,000 ancient rock carvings
White Sands Travel Tips
- Check Weather: The park occasionally closes due to nearby missile tests. We recommend checking the NPS website for alerts.
- Sand Gets Hot: Especially in summer, wear shoes even if it looks cool.
- Leave No Trace: Respect this fragile environment by sticking to trails and packing out trash.
Discover More of New Mexico
White Sands is a jaw-dropping experience, but it’s only one piece of the New Mexico adventure. Explore more in our Top 10 Vacation Spots in New Mexico or head north with our Albuquerque Vacation Guide.
Plan your visit with White Sands National Park - NPS and New Mexico Tourism Department.
Would you rather sled down a dune or watch the stars from the white sands? Let us know how you'd spend your time!
