White Sands National Park | American Tour Association

A PLACE TO REMEMBER

Make room for the wonder.

Wave-like white dunes spread below desert mountains in a remarkably bright landscape. A scenic drive and a short walk offer a memorable introduction, with time to appreciate the patterns and changing light.

White dunes in foreground with sun setting behind mountain. — Sunsets are one of the most popular times to visit White Sands. Visitors can experience sunset every day of the year.
NPS Photo · Photography credit

Aerial of white sand dunes. — The dunes at White Sands cover 275 square miles of the Tularosa Basin.
NPS Photo · Photography credit

BUILD YOUR OWN PARK DAY

Places to consider

01Dunes Drive
02Interdune Boardwalk
03Dune-field walks

Choose the stops that suit your time and your party. These are ideas for exploring, rather than a fixed itinerary or a promise that every road, trail or facility will be open.

Before you set out

Check temporary road closures and weather before arriving. Bright sand, heat and disorientation call for water, sun protection and a simple return plan.

Give the day room

Allow time for the approach, parking and breaks. Pick walks for the least mobile members of your party, and leave space for weather or a change of plans.

Bring your group

Confirm vehicle access, drop-off and parking with the park. Check any guided tours, transport and accessibility arrangements before fixing the rest of the itinerary.

Official park visitor guide ↗Current conditions ↗

Check the official NPS guide for current access, fees, passes, reservations and permits. Gateway names identify useful surrounding communities or access areas, not exact entrance directions. Photographs may show earlier seasons or conditions.