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.
Get directions →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
Sep 28, 2026
Walk Through Ice Age History at White Sands National Park During National Fossil Day
Throughout October, White Sands National Park will celebrate National Fossil Day (Oct. 14) with a series of special programs exploring the Ice Age human and mammal fossilized footprints preserved throughout the park. Programs will be offered from Oct. 2 – 28 and will include guided hikes along the new Ice Age Trail, ranger talks, drop-in programming and a special presentation associated with the October Full Moon Night on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 5:30 p.m.
Sep 16, 2026
White Sands to Host Native American Flautist for September Full Moon Night Concert
White Sands National Park will host its September Full Moon Night event Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. featuring a concert performed by Native American flautist and storyteller Randy Granger.
Jun 25, 2026