White Sands National Monument

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and created the world's largest gypsum dune field.

White Sands National Monument preserves a major portion of this unique dune field, along with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly changing environment.

The Basics

Hours:

The monument is open daily, except Christmas Day.

Summer hours (May 26 through September 3):

Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. The Dunes Drive may be entered from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. No vehicles may enter the Dunes Drive after 9 p.m. All visitors must exit the park by 10 p.m.

Winter hours:

Visitor Center 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Dunes Drive may be entered from 7:00 a.m. to sunset. No vehicles may enter the Dunes Drive after sunset. All visitors must exit the park by one hour after sunset.

Special Note: Due to missile testing on the adjacent White Sands Missile Range, it is occasionally necessary, for visitor safety,to close the Dunes Drive for periods of up to two hours. U.S. Highway 70/82 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces is also closed during times of missile testing. Visitors on a tight schedule are encouraged to call the day prior to arrival for information on closures.

Address:

P.O. Box 1086
Holloman AFB, NM 88330

Information:

505-679-2599

Map

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico Map

Directions

The visitor center is located on U.S. Highway 70, 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Travelers from Carlsbad Caverns to southern Arizona can follow U.S. 82 through the scenic Sacramento Mountains to reach White Sands National Monument.

Climate

The Tularosa Basin, a high desert area, averaging 4,000 feet (1200 meters) in elevation, is subject to harsh, and sometimes rapidly changing climatic conditions. Spring is windy season. Summers are hot, averaging 95°F. (35°C.) highs with occasional readings over 100°F. (38°C.). Winters are relatively mild, but night-time temperatures often go below freezing (0°C.) Snowfall is infrequent, but heavy snows have occurred on occasion. Precipitation averages about 10 inches (250 mm.) per year, with most falling during summer thunderstorms, often accompanied by lightning and hail.

Link to our Alamogordo Weather coverage for more information.

Link to our Las Cruces Weather coverage for more information.

Fees

$3 per person
Children 15 and under are free.

Reservations

Reservations may be required for some activities.

Outdoor Camping

There is no overnight camping within White Sands National Monument. Several public and private campgrounds and RV parks are within one hour's drive of the park. The closest public campgrounds are Oliver Lee State Park, about 24 miles southeast, and Aguirre Springs Recreation Area, about 39 miles southwest.

Link to our Alamogordo Camping coverage for more information.

Link to our Las Cruces Camping coverage for more information.

Picknicking

There are two shaded picnic tables adjacent to the Visitor Center at the park entrance.

There are three picnic areas in the heart of the sands near the end of the Dunes Drive, with a total of 45 tables. Each table is shaded and has an elevated grill. Please do not leave used charcoal in the grills or throw charcoal into trash containers. Take all used charcoal home with you.

Outdoor Bird and Wildlife Viewing

About 220 species of birds have been recorded at White Sands National Monument. Few birds inhabit the heart of the gypsum dune field. Most birds are found along the dune margins. The best places to look for birds are around the Visitor Center and along the Dune Life Nature Trail.

Nearby Attractions

Other Attractions

New Mexico Museum of Space History and IMAX Theater. In Alamogordo, 19 miles from White Sands National Monument.
White Sands Missile Range Museum and Missile Park. 35 miles southwest of White Sands National Monument.
Lincoln National Forest. In the Sacramento Mountains east of Alamogordo.
Alameda Park Zoo. In Alamogordo, 16 miles from White Sands National Monument.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. South of Alamogordo, 28 miles from White Sands National Monument.
Mescalero Apache Indian reservation. 40 miles northeast of White Sands National Monument.
Aguirre Spring Recreation Area (Bureau of Land Management). 39 miles southwest of White Sands National Monument.

Link to our Alamogordo Attractions coverage for more information.

Link to our Las Cruces Attractions coverage for more information.

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