White Sands National Monument

WHITE SANDS

White Sands National Monument is the largest gypsum dune field in the world! It’s located in Southern New Mexico in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert + covers 224 square miles!

The white soft looking sand, purple mountainous silhouette, + fiery hues of the setting sun created one of the most beautiful spectacles I’ve ever seen! Even though my time at White Sands was short, it was an evening I will forever remember. Nature tends to do that; completely stun + encrypt fond memories directly onto your heart.

I can’t wait to return someday, replay the memories in my mind, + create new ones with the following activities:

DUNES DRIVE

Take the relaxing 16 mile round-trip Dunes Drive throughout the monument. It takes approximately 45 minutes to complete without stopping. The first half of the drive is paved + the rest is compact gypsum sand. There are plenty of pullover spots to picnic or explore! Extra tip: Bring your mountain or cruiser bike to ride Dunes Drive!

HIKE

Be adventurous + take a hike on one of the 5 main trails below:

Interdune Boardwalk: (0.4 mile round-trip) wheelchair accessible boardwalk with informational signs
Playa Trail: (0.5 mile round-trip) easy hike with green markers that take you to a small playa
Dune Life Nature Trail: (1 mile loop) experience 2 steep dunes on this moderate hike with blue markers
Backcountry Camping Trail: (2 miles round-trip) hike over several steep dunes on this moderate hike with orange markers
Alkali Flat Trail: (5 miles round-trip) difficult trail with red markers that hikes up + down dunes

*Important* : Remember to observe the mountain ranges around you + constantly be aware of your surroundings. It’s fairly easy to get lost amongst the dunes, so it’s smart to take precautions before you leave. Follow the colored markers along the path to ensure you are going in the right direction. Lastly, make sure you have plenty of water with you!

CAMP

There are only 10 backcountry camping sites at White Sands National Monument (no car / RV camping). Since you cannot reserve these sites in advance, they are booked first come first serve. After the site is booked, you’ll receive a permit at the visitor center. It is $3 to camp per person with a maximum limit of 6 people per site. To get to the sites you have to hike the Backcountry Camping Trail that I mentioned above. White Sands can be chilly at night, so make sure to pack warm layers. Also bring enough food + water; pack out what you pack in. And please, be absolutely sure to watch the life-changing flaming sunset + stargaze all night long.

CLIMB THE DUNES + SAND SLED

You are essentially in a giant sandbox; let your inner child run free! Climb the dunes, feel the gypsum run through your fingers, + make a sand angel! The freedom felt in the wide open landscape is like no other! I didn’t get to sand sled, but I saw other people having tons of fun with it! Bring a sled or rent one from the visitor center + make sure to add some wax for a fun ride down the dunes!

TIPS + SAFETY

It’s fairly easy to get lost: As I mentioned above, be constantly aware of where you are located.
Pack plenty of water + bring a snack: the closest water source is the visitor center.
Prepare to be in direct sunlight: Bring sunglasses + sunscreen.
Know the monument hours + closures: Check them here.
Gypsum stays cool: That’s right! Since gypsum doesn’t convert sunlight into heat, you can freely go barefoot!
White Sands is dog friendly! Experience the magic with your best friend.
$5 entrance fee: (which is good for 7 days) or use your America The Beautiful pass!

MISSILE TESTING

White Sands Missile Range + Holloman Air Force Base are close to White Sands, so occasionally the monument will close for a couple of hours due to missile testing. Please double check the upcoming closures here, so you can schedule accordingly!