• The dunes in soft light

    White Sands

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Closures and Missile Tests

    Upcoming Missile Tests: From time to time the missile range that surrounds us performs missile testing that may require the closure of the park or Highway 70. Please follow the link below for up to date information on closures More »

Early Entry - Stay Late

Sunset at the dunes
NPS PHOTO
 

Many National Park Service areas may be entered any time, day or night, at sunrise or sunset to view wildlife. At White Sands National Monument, we share our boundaries with the U.S. Military at Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range. Due to security issues, the monument has specific posted hours of operation.

That being said, it is possible to enter the monument early or to stay past closing for a fee of $50 for each hour that we must open early or close late. The FAQ sheet that we've put together will answer many of the questions you may have.

If you would like to schedule and Early Entry/Stay Late date, please download the general
permit conditions along with the application and follow the instructions included in them to reserve your date.

Did You Know?

Photo of sand grains

The gypsum that makes up the white sands starts out as clear, translucent sand grains. As the wind bounces the sand grains along the ground, they collide and scratch each other. The scratches change the way light reflects off the grains, making the sand appear white.