White Sands National Park Overview
White Sands National Park protects about 146,344 acres in southern New Mexico's Tularosa Basin, including the southern portion of the world's largest gypsum dunefield. The park recorded 659,742 recreation visits in 2025, with visitors drawn to bright white dunes, desert skies, sledding areas, short trails, and the scenic Dunes Drive. The landscape can look simple at first glance, but it is a shifting desert system shaped by wind, water, gypsum, and heat.
The park's white sand is made of gypsum crystals, a mineral that usually dissolves and washes away in wetter places. Here, basin geology and dry climate allow the dunes to collect and move across the desert floor. Plants and animals adapt to burial, exposure, heat, and pale sand, while visitors need to plan for sun, dehydration, orientation, and road closures tied to nearby missile range activity.
White Sands was established as a national monument in 1933 and redesignated as a national park on December 20, 2019. Its protected story includes geology, desert ecology, ancient footprints, military history, nearby communities, and long-standing Indigenous connections to the Tularosa Basin.
White Sands National Park Hiking and Backpacking
The official NPS Hiking page covers the main marked trails, including Interdune Boardwalk, Playa Trail, Dune Life Nature Trail, Backcountry Camping Trail, and Alkali Flat Trail. Even short routes can become difficult in high heat or strong wind, and dune travel can make landmarks harder to read than expected.
Backpacking and overnight use are limited by current park conditions. The NPS Permits and Reservations page notes that backcountry camping is currently closed while sites are rehabilitated. Visitors should check current park conditions before planning around any overnight or special-use activity.
Things to Do in White Sands National Park
Dunes Drive, Alkali Flat Trail, sledding, sunset photography, ranger programs, full moon events, and the visitor center are the main trip anchors. The bright gypsum surface reflects sunlight strongly, so sunglasses, water, sunscreen, and heat timing matter even on shorter visits.
White Sands National Park Camping and Lodging
There is currently no overnight camping inside White Sands National Park while backcountry campsites are closed. The NPS Eating and Sleeping page lists nearby lodging and food options. Alamogordo, Las Cruces, and other area communities provide hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and supplies.
Official White Sands National Park Resources
Use the official NPS page, park map, and current alerts when planning a trip to White Sands National Park.