White Sands National Park
Location:
New Mexico
Size:
146,344 acres
Peak Season:
Fall to Early Spring
Closest Airport:
El Paso International Airport (ELP) – 1.5 hrs
Topography:
Sand Dunes, Desert
Recreational Opportunities:
Sandboarding & Sledding – The white gypsum dunes are perfect for sliding.
Hiking – Explore the surreal dunes on Alkali Flat and Dune Life Nature Trail.
Scenic Drives – Dunes Drive offers breathtaking desert views.
Stargazing – Designated Dark Sky Park with unreal nightscapes.
Photography – One of the most photogenic parks in the country.
Points Of Interest:
White Sands Dunes: The park's main feature, with miles of stunning white gypsum sand dunes perfect for hiking, photography, and sledding.
Backcountry Camping: A more secluded experience, where visitors can camp beneath the stars in the midst of the dunes.
Interdune Boardwalk: An easy trail that explores the unique plant and animal life found in the gypsum sand environment.
Sunset Stroll: A ranger-led program that allows visitors to enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the dunes and learn about the area’s ecosystem.
Top 5 Hikes:
Interdune Boardwalk Trail
Dune Life Nature Trail
Backcountry Trail
Playa Trail
Alkali Flat Trail
Camping:
Backcountry Camping – The only option in the park, with designated dune sites requiring a permit.