Early Entry - Stay Late

Cloudy sunrises often give you the chance to see beautiful pink streaks in the sky.

R.Burghart Photo

While many National Park Service areas may be entered at any time, day or night, from sunrise or sunset to view wildlife and take photos, White Sands is different. Park and visitor center operating hours vary by season. If you would like to enter early or stay late to enjoy a sunrise or the night sky, you must request a permit to entry early or stay late.

How to Request an Early Entry or Stay Late

1. Download the application and read the White Sands Special Park Uses FYI document.

2. Email your request to [e-mail]. Enter the requested date and write “early entry or stay late” in the subject line. The application must be received by the park no less than 21 days prior to the day you are requesting the early entry or stay late. Applications will not be considered without payment of the application fee.

3. Once received, most applications requests for early entry or stay late will be processed within 21 days.

4. After your early open or stay late request is reviewed, you may be contacted to provide additional information or to discuss the details of your request if the request cannot be approved with the information provided.

5. Payment In the form of a credit card, personal checks, traveler cheques, cashier's check or money order. Make checks or money orders payable to the National Park Service. Credit card payments can be made by calling 575-479-6124 ext. 206.

If sending payment via mail, send payment to:
Special Park Uses
White Sands National Park
PO Box 1086
Holloman AFB, NM 88330

6. Once payment is received, you will be provided a copy of your approved early open or stay late request. This paperwork must be in your possession when you arrive for your early open or stay late.

Fees for Early Entry or Stay Late?

If your request for early entry/stay late is approved, the fee will be up to $75 per hour or any fraction thereof. For example, if you want to enter the park 30 minutes prior to opening, the fee will be up to $75. This fee is per hour or fraction thereof, not per person. Payment must be made in cash, credit card, personal checks, traveler cheques, cashier check, or money order for the exact amount. Make personal checks, travelers cheques, cashier check, or money orders payable to National Park Service.

When to Submit Your Permit Request

Early entry or stay late permit requests may be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance of your requested date.

What Happens on the Morning of an Early Entry?

A ranger will open the main highway gate at the requested time; however, the ranger will wait only 10 minutes. If you are late, the ranger will close the gate and go about his/her duties. You will not be able to enter the park and no money will be refunded. There will be only one opening per group. Please arrive on time.

What Happens on the Evening of a Stay Late?

You will provide a description of the vehicle(s) in your group (make, model, color, and license plate) on the Request for Early Entry or Stay Late application. The ranger closing the park on the date of your late stay will clear the park per normal procedures. At the designated exit time, you will meet the ranger at the locked gates at the entrance to the park. The ranger will open the gates for you to exit. The ranger will only wait 10 minutes. Citations could be issued if you fail to exit at the designated time. Please do not be late.

If You Have Additional Questions...

Please contact [e-mail]. Please write “early open or stay late request” in the subject line.