The monument is open daily year round. The only day of the year that we are scheduled to be closed is Christmas Day, December 25.

UNEXPECTED CLOSURES - Especially during the winter and occasionally throughout the year, there are times when the park may have to close due to bad roads or weather. During these times, the website may not contain the most up-to-date information because the website cannot be updated from outside of the park's offices. However, the park does try its best to notify the public. In case of unexpected closures, the information will be available at the following locations in order of priority as soon as possible:

1) Local radio stations KUPR-FM 91.7 and KRWG-FM 90.7
2) Our Facebook and Twitter pages
3) New Mexico Department of Transportation Road Conditions

Inbound gate and park closing times for 2012.

Winter hours: (November 6, 2011 - February 27, 2012)

Visitor Center 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.  The Dunes Drive may be entered from 7:00 am. to sunset. No vehicles may enter the Dunes Drive after sunset. All visitors must exit the park by one hour after sunset. The visitor center is closed on Christmas day. Download park gate hours from link at top of page for specific inbound gate and park closing times.

Holiday hours: (December 19, 2011 - January 2, 2012)

Visitor Center 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.  The Dunes Drive may be entered from 7:00 am. to sunset. No vehicles may enter the Dunes Drive after sunset. All visitors must exit the park by one hour after sunset. The visitor center is closed on Christmas day. Download park gate hours from link at top of page for specific inbound gate and park closing times.

Spring hours: (February 28 - April 17, 2012)

Visitor Center 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.  The Dunes Drive may be entered from 7:00 am. to sunset. No vehicles may enter the Dunes Drive after sunset. All visitors must exit the park by one hour after sunset. Download park gate hours from link at top of page for specific inbound gate and park closing times.


Summer hours (April 18 - September 11, 2012)

Visitor Center 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. The Dunes Drive may be entered from 7:00 am to sunset. No vehicles may enter the Dunes Drive after sunset. All visitors must exit the park by one hour after sunset. From May 27 to September 5, the park may be entered until 9:00 pm, and visitors must exit by 10:00 pm. Download park gate hours from link at top of page for specific inbound gate and park closing times.

Fall hours (September 12 - November 5, 2012)

Visitor Center 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. The Dunes Drive may be entered from 7:00 am to sunset. No vehicles may enter the Dunes Drive after sunset. All visitors must exit the park by one hour after sunset. Download park gate hours from link at top of page for specific inbound gate and park closing times.

Winter hours (November 6, 2012 - February 28, 2013)

Visitor Center 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  The Dunes Drive may be entered from 7:00 am to sunset. No vehicles may enter the Dunes Drive after sunset. All visitors must exit the park by one hour after sunset. Download park gate hours from link at top of page for specific inbound gate and park closing times.

Special Note: 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 three hours. U.S. Highway 70/82 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces is also closed during times of missile testing. Visitors on a tight schedule are encouraged to call the day prior to arrival for information on closures.