Current Conditions

The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to White Sands National Park is as follows:


Open: Dunes Area, Hiking Trails, Picnic Areas, Visitor Center and Gift Shop

Closed: Backcountry Camping

While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders (www.nmhealth.org) and recreate responsibly by keeping social distance, wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained, avoiding high risk activities, and staying home if you feel sick.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Service

Available

Unavailable

Comments

Dunes Area

X

Visitor Center

X

Gift Shop

X

Dunes Drive

X

Hiking Trails

X

Picnic Areas

X

Restrooms at Visitor Center

X

Open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Restrooms in Dunes Area

X

Sledding

X

Passport Stamp

X

Visitor Center
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunset Stroll

X

Backcountry Camping

X

Park Museum and Film

X

 

Alerts

 
Sign reads “DO NOT ENTER”

NPS Photo

Park Closures

Occasionally the road into the park is closed due to missile testing or weather conditions. Look here for the latest information about park closures.
 
A paved road thorugh white dunes with sunset

NPS Photo

Road Conditions

Dunes drive consists of both pavement and hard packed gypsum sand. Consider the effects of inclement weather when planning to drive into the park. The park may close if weather conditions pose a safety hazard for visitors.
 
Raindrops on glass with dunes and blue sky in the background

NPS Photo

Weather

The weather can be hard to predict in the desert. Look here to learn more about possible weather conditions when you visit.

Last updated: December 16, 2022

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1086
Holloman AFB, NM 88330

Phone:

575 479-6124

Contact Us

Tools