Current Conditions

The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to White Sands National Park is as follows:

Open: Dunes Area, Hiking Trails, Picnic Areas, Visitor Center and Gift Shop (both with walk-up tables)

Closed: Backcountry Camping and Park Ranger Programs

While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders (www.nmhealth.org) and recreate responsibly by keeping social distance, wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained, avoiding high risk activities, and staying home if you feel sick.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Service	Available	Unavailable	Comments
Dunes Area	X
Visitor Center and Gift Shop	X		Both have walk-up table service only.
Dunes Drive	X
Hiking Trails	X
Picnic Areas	X
Restrooms at Visitor Center		X
Restrooms in Dunes Area	X
Sledding	X
Passport Stamp	X		Visitor Center 9am - 5pm
Sunset Stroll		X
Backcountry Camping		X
Group Use Area		X
Park Museum and Film		X
Horse and Stock Riding		X
1st Amendment Activites	X
Early Open/Stay Late Permits		X
Commercial Photography/Filming Permits		X

 

How to Navigate the Visitor Center and Gift Shop

Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to the visitor center and gift shop has changed. In order to be prepared for your visit please read the guide below on how to best navigate the buildings.

Restrooms

The main restrooms located next to the visitor center structure are closed. Restrooms in the dunes area are open.

Visitor Center and Park Store

The visitor center and park store is offering walk-up table service.

Gift Shop

The gift shop is offering walk-up table service.

 

 

NPS Photo

Park Closures

Occasionally the road into the park is closed due to missile testing or weather conditions. Look here for the latest information about park closures.

 

NPS Photo

Road Conditions

Dunes drive consists of both pavement and hard packed gypsum sand. Consider the effects of inclement weather when planning to drive into the park. The park may close if weather conditions pose a safety hazard for visitors.

 

NPS Photo

Weather

The weather can be hard to predict in the desert. Look here to learn more about possible weather conditions when you visit.