Sunsets are one of the most popular times to visit White Sands. Visitors can experience sunset every day of the year.
White Sands National Park
National Park · NM
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.
Park report
Alert: Park Closure
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesDunes Drive Safety Corridor
Fee: Entrance - Private Vehicle
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$25
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesBackcountry Camping Closed
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesInterdune Boardwalk Closed
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesPark Closures
Alert: Information
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesRV and Tractor Trailer Parking at the Visitor Center
Fee: Entrance - Per Person
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$15
Fee: Entrance - Motorcycle
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$20
Hours Exceptions
NoteSummer Hours; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day
Campgrounds Available
How this is rated
Good: campgrounds available in this park1 campground
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available11 activities
Park Name
InfoWhite Sands National Park
Designation
InfoNational Park
State(s)
InfoNM
Phone
Info5754796124
whsa_interpretation@nps.gov
Pass: Annual Entrance - Park
Info$45
Operating Hours
InfoThe park gates always open at 7:00 am with closing hours changing with sunset. The park closes 30 minutes after local sunset. Local sunset is 8 minutes earlier than Alamogordo's predicted sunset. Sunset times can be found at https://sunrise-sunset.org/us/alamogordo-nm
Visitor Center: White Sands Visitor Center
InfoSee park for hours
Themes & Topics
InfoArchitecture and Building, Animals, Birds + 5 more
Weather Info
InfoTemperatures at White Sands vary greatly throughout the year. Summer time temperatures can be very hot. Winters are mild with cool evenings. Spring time is the windy season. Fall is very enjoyable wit
Getting There
InfoWhite Sands National Park is located off of US Highway 70 between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo. The park is about 15 miles west of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces.
Location
Info32.7791° N, -106.3333° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website