At the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert lies a mountain-ringed valley known as the Tularosa Basin. Rising from the heart of this basin is one of the world's great natural wonders--the glistening white sands of New Mexico.
White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of the world's largest gypsum dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this harsh environment.
White Sands National Monument is located along U.S. Highway 70/82, 15 miles west of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces. Travelers from Carlsbad Caverns to southern Arizona can follow U.S. 82 through the scenic Sacramento Mountains to White Sands National Monument.
The Monument is open daily, except Christmas.
The Monument entrance fee is $3.00 per person 16 and over (good for 7 days). Entrance fees are collected at the entrance station on the Dunes Drive. Other fees apply to organized groups.
An $80 National Parks Passport is available, which allows free entrance into all National Parks and other Federal fee areas in the U.S. for one year. Travelers who plan on visiting a number of National Park areas will save money by purchasing a National Parks Passport. The National Parks Passport is not valid for special use fees, such as camping, cave tours and other activities for which special fees are charged.
Permanent U.S. residents 62 years or older may purchase a $10 Senior passport, which allows lifetime free admission into all National Park areas. A free Access passport is available for U.S. citizens with permanent disablities .
Entrance Fees for Commercial Bus or Van tours.
Your first stop should be the White Sands Visitor Center, which includes a museum, information desk, book store, gift shop and restrooms. Allow approximately 30 minutes for Visitor Center activities.
An eight-mile scenic drive leads from the Visitor Center into the heart of the dunes. Wayside exhibits at pullouts along the drive provide information about the park. Numerous parking areas along the drive allow visitors to stop and walk in the white sands. Allow 40 minutes driving time for the 16-mile round trip, plus additional time for walking, photography or stopping at pullouts.
For those who would like to explore the dunes on foot, the Dune Life Nature Trail is a one-mile self-guided nature trail. The Interdune Boardwalk is a wheelchair-accessible 1/4-mile nature trail. The Alkali Flat Trail is a 4 1/2-mile round trip backcountry trail through the heart of the dunes and is recommended for experienced hikers only.
Three picnic areas with sheltered tables and pit toilets are located at the end of the scenic drive. No water is available anywhere along the dunes drive. Picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ranger-led activities are scheduled throughout the year, with expanded programming in the summer. Check at the Visitor Center for the day's activities. Organized groups can arrange for ranger led tours by contacting the Monument in advance.
Schedule of Ranger-Led activities.
Ranger-Guided Tours for Commercial Bus or Van tours.
There are no restaurants or lodging facilities within the Monument. The nearest restaurants and motels are in Alamogordo, 15 miles east.
Refreshments and snacks can be purchased at the Visitor Center Gift Shop from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. (8 AM - 7 PM in summer.)
Facilities in the Visitor Center and picnic areas are wheelchair accessible. The Interdune Boardwalk allows wheelchair access to the top of a small dune.
Due to missile testing on the adjacent White Sands Missile Range, it is occasionally necessary, for visitor safety, to close the Dunes Drive for periods of up to two hours. U.S. Highway 70/82 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces is also closed during times of missile testing. All tour escorts are encouraged to call the day prior to arrival for information on any possible park closure.
Call (505) 679-2599; or visit our website: www.nps.gov/whsa