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.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About 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.
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Driving times from White Sands National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00Per 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.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Per 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.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$50.00Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$60.00Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$150.00Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).
Hours
Standard Park Hours
- Mon
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Tue
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Wed
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Thu
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Fri
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Sat
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Sun
- 7:00AM - Sunset
Activities
Getting there
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.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter White Sands National Park?
- Entrance to White Sands National Park starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at White Sands National Park?
- Popular activities include Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Biking, Camping, Food, Guided Tours.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of White Sands National Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail (2 h 23 min), Chamizal National Memorial (2 h 58 min), El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail (4 h 17 min), Fort Bowie National Historic Site (5 h 15 min), Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (5 h 17 min), Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (5 h 40 min).