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National Park

White Sands National Park

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.

Photo: NPS Photo

About

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.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursHikingJunior Ranger Program

Directions

White Sands National Park is located off of US Highway 70 between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo. The park is about 15 miles west of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces.

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Weather

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.

News

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Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$25.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$20.00
Commercial Entrance - Van$50.00