White Sands National Park • New Mexico

White dunes in foreground with sun setting behind mountain.

Aerial of white sand dunes.

Close up view of ripples on a dune.

Cottonwood trees with orange leaves.

Grey shadows on dunes.

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.

Sunsets are one of the most popular times to visit White Sands. Visitors can experience sunset every day of the year.
NPS Photo

The dunes at White Sands cover 275 square miles of the Tularosa Basin.
NPS Photo

The wind shapes and moves the dunes as a whole but gives each individual dune the texture of ripples.
NPS Photo

Fall is a wonderful time to visit as most of our plants with leaves change beautiful colors.
NPS Photo

As the sun changes its angle through the sky it allows shadow to roll across the dunes.
NPS Photo

a white sand dune ridge runs into the distance covered in shrubs with a golden sunset.

White Sands Essentials

Interested in visiting White Sands National Park? Knowing these essentials will help you plan an incredible experience at the park.

A visitor faces away reading safety sign about bringing water when hiking in the park.

Understand what it takes to be safe when visiting the park.

a ranger in flat hat stands in front of large group of visitors. Pointing into the distance.

Ranger Programs

Throughout the year, a variety of ranger lead programs allow visitors to experience and learn about this incredible place.

two people hiking on white sand dunes.

Plan Your Visit

Planning ahead helps you have the best experience possible.

Park closure sign on gate.

Military Testing Park Closures

Occasionally the road into the park can close due to missile testing. Look here for the latest information.

a boardwalk extends into the distance among white sands dunes. A shade paviliion can be seen ahead.

Discover how White Sands National Park is working to provide everyone with accessible experiences at the park.

Multiple human footprints fossilized in hard sediment cross the ground. Individual toes can be seen.

Fossilized Footprints

Trackways in the park give us a glimpse into the lives of ice age animals and the people that lived alongside them in the Tularosa Basin.

Ranger and junior ranger high fiving.

Do you want to become a Junior Ranger? The program is available for all ages and can be completed during even a short visit.

Last updated: June 16, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1086
Holloman AFB, NM 88330

Phone:

575 479-6124

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