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
Jun 25, 2026
White Sands National Park seeks to contact visitor who handled dead bat
White Sands National Park is trying to contact a visitor who handled a dead bat with bare hands and brought it into the park visitor center on Thursday, June 18. The visitor or their parent or guardian should contact a medical provider or local health department right away to discuss whether rabies post‑exposure treatment is recommended. They are also asked to contact White Sands National Park at WHSA_Interpretation@nps.gov.
Jun 18, 2026
White Sands to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with 1st Armored Division Rock Band Performance at Full Moon Night Event.
White Sands National Park will host its first Full Moon Night event of the year on Monday June 29, 2026, at 8 p.m. in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In partnership with Western National Parks, White Sands is pleased to welcome back the 1st Armored Division Rock Band at the park’s amphitheater for a special performance at the park's June Full Moon Night event.
May 21, 2026
White Sands to Offer Program Highlighting Artistic Perspectives on the Dunefield