Things To Know Before Visiting White Sands National Park

March 2022

Recently my family and I decided to take a spontaneous road trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico for spring break. When we began to research things to do in that area, White Sands National Park came up on almost every search. The park is located about an hour from Ruidoso, New Mexico , so we put it on our list of things to do during our trip.

History about White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico and was originally designated as a national monument in 1933. The area was recognized for its unique and stunning landscape of gypsum sand dunes, which cover over 275 square miles.

The area was once home to several indigenous tribes, including the Mescalero Apache, who still reside in the region today. In the 1940s, the park was also used as a testing ground for the development of missile technology, and visitors can still see remnants of this history in the park’s exhibits and displays.

In December 2019, White Sands National Monument became a national park, becoming the 62nd national park in the United States.

Things to keep in mind when visiting White Sands National Monument

1. VISITOR CENTER: When you drive into the park the first building you will see is the visitor center. This is where you can use restrooms, shop souvenirs, learn the history of the park, and also be able to buy sleds (to slide down the sand dunes) and sled wax. The visitor center has a gift shop with convenient food and drink options. Visitor center hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
2. FEE STATION: When you leave the visitor center you will drive up just a little bit to the fee station. The station is where you pay for admission and pick up a map of the park.
3. WEATHER: The climate at White Sands National Park can be extreme. Temperatures ranging from freezing in the winter to over 100°F (38°C) in the summer. The best time to visit is during the spring or fall when the weather is milder. Another recommendation would be to visit the park earlier in the day or later in the afternoon. Also keep an eye on the weather for wind. Won’t be ideal to visit the dunes with sand blowing around. Best thing to do is to check current park weather conditions.

1. CLOTHING: The sun can be intense. It will be important to wear protective clothing and accessories. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and light weight long sleeved shirt if you want to protect your shoulders and arms. Another recommendation would be to wear clothing with no pockets so that sand won’t get trapped in them.
2. SUN PROTECTION: We ended up bringing a hand held umbrella which was extremely helpful when we walked through the dunes or waited for a turn to go sledding. Gave us extra protection from the sun and glad I brought it with us. I did see several families bring beach umbrellas with umbrella anchors as well.
3. FOOTWEAR: When we visit the park, the weather was in the 60’s and sunny. We were able to walk on the sand with no shoes on. But during hot days/seasons, make sure to wear shoes that will protect your feet. Wear shoes that you won’t mind getting sand in.

1. FOOD & WATER: It’s important to bring plenty of water, as the desert can be very dry and dehydration is a serious risk. We packed a cooler with ice, lots of bottles of water, food, and snacks. We wanted to make sure we had everything we needed.
2. PHOTOGRAPHY: The White Sands dunes are a beautiful place to take photographs. It really feels like something you would see out a movie. Make sure to bring a camera or your phone to capture images.
3. PARK HOURS & FEES: The park is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed on December 25)
   No reservations are required. There is an entrance fee of $25 per vehicle, or $15 per person if entering on foot, bicycle or motorcycle. Visitors are always encouraged to check the park’s website to make sure there aren’t any closures due White Sands Missile Range who regularly conducts missile tests. You can check for park closures here.
4. CAMPING: There is backcountry camping available at the park, but as of this blog post it has been closed with no reopening date. You can always check their website when campsite become available again.
5. ACTIVITIES: The park offers a range of activities, including hiking, sledding, and stargazing. Make sure to check the park’s website for more information on these activities and any seasonal restrictions.
6. SAFETY: While the dunes are beautiful, they can also be dangerous. It’s important to stay on designated trails and use the park map.

1. CLEAN UP: Bring a trash bag for your trash. White Sands National Park is a protected area, so it’s important to help keep it clean by collecting all of your trash and leaving no trace.
2. TOWEL: I would recommend bringing a towel to clean off sand before getting in the car. Maybe even bringing an extra pair of clothing just in case you get super sandy and sweaty.
3. LESS POPULATED DUNES: The dunes further down the main park road were less crowded and a bit nicer, in my opinion.

If you are planning a visit to the White Sands National Park in New Mexico, I hope these recommendations will help you to plan your best visit there! Click here for more frequently asked questions.