White Sands National Park Tours and Activities

White Sands National Monument which includes a beach, mountains and a sunset
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Hike, cycle, drive or surf across one of the most striking landscapes in the United States, a colossal area covered in sand dunes.

Spectacular dunes of snow-white gypsum sprawl as far as the eye can see at the White Sands National Monument. This spectacular natural landscape lays claim to being the largest gypsum dune field in the world and extends for 275 square miles (712 square kilometers) of desert.

Begin your adventures at the national monument with a stop by the visitor center, which was built in the 1930s and is an example of Spanish Pueblo adobe architecture. View exhibits and watch a movie about the monument before venturing out into the dunes.

There are several ways to explore the dramatic landscape, each offering a different perspective on their scale and magnitude. Get in your car for the Dunes Drive, an 8-mile (13-kilometer) scenic drive that departs from the visitor center. Stop at the numerous outdoor exhibits to learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. Find hiking trails, picnic areas and parking facilities along the route.

Walk on the elevated Interdune Boardwalk for a superb view of the dune field and the Sacramento Mountains. This wheelchair accessible walkway features several outdoor exhibits making it both picturesque and educational. Bring a camera to capture lifelong memories.

Hike the trails of the national monument, including the Dune Life Nature Trail, where you can walk on the sand. Cyclists can ride their bikes through the dune field on a hard-packed gypsum sand road or for some heart-pumping fun try sledding down the face of a dune. Sign up for a ranger-led program, including full-moon hikes and bike rides for a tailored experience of the dunes.

The monument is located between the cities of Alamogordo and Las Cruces and can be reached from either. You can even stay overnight in one of the campsites, which are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

The White Sands National Monument is closed on Christmas Day. There is an entrance fee, although children aged 15 years and younger can access the monument for free. Visitors are reminded to bring plenty of water as there is none is available outside of the visitor center.

Plan a trip to see White Sands National Park

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Best Lodging Options Near White Sands National Park

The Classic Desert Aire Hotel
The Classic Desert Aire Hotel
3 out of 5
1021 S White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM
The Classic Desert Aire Hotel
Quality Inn & Suites Near White Sands National Park
Quality Inn & Suites Near White Sands National Park
2.5 out of 5
1020 S White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM
Quality Inn & Suites Near White Sands National Park
Hampton Inn Alamogordo
Hampton Inn Alamogordo
2.5 out of 5
1295 Hamilton Road, Alamogordo, NM
Hampton Inn Alamogordo
Motel 6 Alamogordo, NM
Motel 6 Alamogordo, NM
2 out of 5
251 Panorama Blvd, Alamogordo, NM
Motel 6 Alamogordo, NM
Days Inn by Wyndham Alamogordo
Days Inn by Wyndham Alamogordo
2 out of 5
907 S White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM
Days Inn by Wyndham Alamogordo
Tavares Inn
Tavares Inn
3 out of 5
153 San Pedro Drive, Alamogordo, NM
Tavares Inn
White Sands Motel
White Sands Motel
2.5 out of 5
1101 S. WHITE SANDS BLVD., Alamogordo, NM
White Sands Motel
Home2 Suites By Hilton Alamogordo White Sands
Home2 Suites By Hilton Alamogordo White Sands
2.5 out of 5
3450 Mesa Village Drive, Alamogordo, NM
Home2 Suites By Hilton Alamogordo White Sands
Budget Inn
Budget Inn
2 out of 5
2404 N White Sands Blvd, Alamogordo, NM
Budget Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.