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WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK

About White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is an otherworldly landscape of shimmering white gypsum dunes nestled in the heart of New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin.

Encompassing 275 square miles of surreal dunes, White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field, offering a range of unforgettable activities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers:

Dune Sledding: Experience the thrill of sledding down the soft, silky slopes of the dunes. Rent a sled at the visitor center or bring your own, and glide through this unique landscape.

Hiking: Discover the park’s fascinating ecosystem through its network of trails, such as the Dune Life Nature Trail or the more challenging Alkali Flat Trail, which offers stunning views of the dunes and surrounding mountains.

Wildlife Watching: Observe the park’s diverse wildlife, including kit foxes, roadrunners, and unique species of insects and reptiles that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the gypsum dunes.

Photography: Capture the breathtaking beauty of the park with your camera, as the shifting sands, dramatic shadows, and vibrant sunsets create an ever-changing canvas of picturesque scenes.

Stargazing: Gaze upon the night sky at White Sands, one of the few remaining dark sky locations in the United States. The park often hosts “Full Moon Nights” events, offering guided stargazing programs and moonlit hikes.

Picnicking: Enjoy a meal amidst the serene landscape, with several picnic areas scattered throughout the park, providing tables, shelters, and grills for your convenience.

To make your journey seamless, consider flying into one of the nearby airports, followed by a scenic drive to the park:

  • El Paso International Airport (ELP) – approximately 1.5 hours away
  • Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) – approximately 3.5 hours away

Embark on your unforgettable journey to the surreal beauty of White Sands National Park.