White Sands: The World's Largest Gypsum Dunefield | WNPA

White Sands

National Park

Return to Parks Map

Welcome!

In the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world’s great natural wonders—glistening white sands. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand engulf 275 square miles of desert, creating the world’s largest gypsum dunefield. A major portion of this dunefield and its plants and animals are preserved.

Stories from White Sands

Read all the Stories
10 National Parks Your Dog will Love Can’t imagine leaving your best furry friend behind on your next national park adventure? We’ve got you covered! Many national parks are pet-friendly, though some may offer just a...
Keep Reading
White Sands National Park t-shirt
Shop Online

Bring White Sands Home

Your purchases support the parks. When you can’t get to a national park for a visit, experience it from the comfort of your home. WNPA’s online store is packed with ranger-approved park collectibles, books, toys, and clothing. Shop for a special item to commemorate a trip, share a memory with a nature lover or park enthusiast, or represent your favorite national parks.

Go to the store
Sledding at White Sands National Park

Explore White Sands National Park

Originally established as a national monument by President Hoover in 1933, White Sands National Park was redesignated as a national park on December 20, 2019. This glistening landscape preserves 275 square miles of gypsum dunes in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico, making it the largest gypsum dunefield in the world. The story of these dazzling and shifting dunes began 280 million years ago when the Permian Sea covered the area and gypsum settled on the seafloor. A common mineral found all over the world, gypsum is rarely found in sand form, making the 275-square-mile dunefield a profoundly unique natural wonder. Learn more about the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of White Sands National Park and explore the unique recreational opportunities that make this park a one-of-a-kind experience for all visitors.

Since our founding in 1938

WNPA has provided more than

$147 million

in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research

See how we help
Kids in Parks

National parks are places where kids can dream up great adventures! Taking in amazing scenery. Testing out new skills. Exploring places kids may have only heard about. But most importantly, creating new memories with friends and family.

Learn More

What’s Happening at This Park?
25 April 2024 06:30 PM - Sunset Stroll Free

Learn about the unique resources that make White Sands National Park special on this half-mile (0.5m) hike along sandy dunes. This program is prone to last minute weather cancellations. Please contact
22 May 2024 07:30 PM - 09:30 PM Moonlight Hike Free

Have you ever wanted to hike the dunes under the moonlight? This is your chance to enjoy the peace and serenity of this elusive environment and experience unique stories of the park. Moonlight hikes

Tickets are available two months before the day of the tour (e.g. a tour on April 18, tickets will be on sale February 18). Tickets are required for this program and must be purchased through Recreation.gov or by calling (1-877-444-6777). Tour fees apply and will be charged by recreation.gov. Park entrance fees also apply and will be charged at the park. The full moon hike capacity is limited. There is no waitlist for sold-out tours; however, if tickets are canceled, they will be immediately available on Recreation.gov. Cancellations must be made by calling or visiting Recreation.gov at least 24 hours in advance of program. Refunds will not be granted within 24 hours of the beginning of the program. Refunds cannot be processed by park staff.
23 May 2024 07:00 AM - 11:00 PM Full Moon Night Free

Enjoy the radiance of the dunes beneath a full moon with this night of extended park hours.  The park will have extended closing hours until 11:00 pm to enjoy the park under the wonderfully bright

Our public lands are our public commons. They belong to all of us as part of our natural and cultural heritage. They remind us of a larger world that has existed long before the arrival of humans and will survive long after we are gone. –Terry Tempest Williams, Author & Conservationist