White Sands National Park

White Sands
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 dune field. A major portion of this dune field and its plants and animals are preserved.

19955 U.S. 70
Alamogordo, NM 88310
United States

Get directions
575-479-6124

More about this park

Shop online store

White Sands
White Sands
White Sands
White Sands
1 of

Discover White Sands National Park

White Sands photo

White Sands National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder, home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Located in southern New Mexico, the park’s rolling white dunes create a surreal landscape perfect for exploration and adventure. Visitors can hike across shimmering sands, sled down soft slopes, and experience incredible sunrises and sunsets over the dunes. With its unique geology, fascinating desert ecosystem, and unparalleled beauty, White Sands offers an unforgettable experience in one of nature’s most stunning settings.

Bring the parks home

From mugs to ornaments, our keepsakes make perfect gifts for all ages. Every purchase supports the parks!

Shop online

White Sands National Park Book

$17.99

White Sands National Park Fleece Hoodie - Night Sky

$34.99

White Sands National Park T-Shirt - Day/Night

$39.99

White Sands National Park WPA Style Poster

$54.99

White Sands National Park Mesh-Back Cap - Leather Patch

$26.99

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.

Explore White Sands National Park
Sunset behind silhouetted cacti and a colorful sky.

Exploring the Southwest's National Parks & Monuments

Discover diverse landscapes and rich Indigenous heritage of the Southwest on this two-week journey through three states.

Explore

Visit smart

Try sand sledding

Bring or rent a plastic sled to glide down the dunes for a fun, one-of-a-kind experience.

Hike the Alkali Flat Trail

This 5-mile loop takes you deep into the dunes for stunning, untouched scenery.

Visit at sunrise or sunset

The shifting light creates breathtaking colors and shadows on the white dunes.

Be prepared for the desert

Bring plenty of water, wear sun protection, and check for missile testing closures before visiting.

1 of

Upcoming events

See all events

Sunset Stroll

May 23 7:00 pm – 11:59 pm

The Sunset Stroll is a leisurely, ranger-guided stroll through the gypsum sand dunes. It is a splendid opportunity to experience the dunes first-hand while learning about the uniqueness of our geology, plants, and animals. As an added bonus, the...

Sunset Stroll

May 24 7:00 pm – 11:59 pm

The Sunset Stroll is a leisurely, ranger-guided stroll through the gypsum sand dunes. It is a splendid opportunity to experience the dunes first-hand while learning about the uniqueness of our geology, plants, and animals. As an added bonus, the...

Sunset Stroll

May 25 7:00 pm – 11:59 pm

The Sunset Stroll is a leisurely, ranger-guided stroll through the gypsum sand dunes. It is a splendid opportunity to experience the dunes first-hand while learning about the uniqueness of our geology, plants, and animals. As an added bonus, the...

Sunset Stroll

May 30 7:00 pm – 11:59 pm

The Sunset Stroll is a leisurely, ranger-guided stroll through the gypsum sand dunes. It is a splendid opportunity to experience the dunes first-hand while learning about the uniqueness of our geology, plants, and animals. As an added bonus, the...

Visit Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Our contribution

Over $162 million

Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $162 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.

See how we help

Why stop at just one?

If you love White Sands, check out these other amazing parks.

Partner Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Colorado
Partner Park

Saguaro National Park

Arizona
Partner Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

New Mexico
1 of
Over 70 parks to explore

Find your park

Legend

  • Partner Park
  • Gateway City