145,762 acres
Park Size
782,469
Annual Visitors
5 mi
Trail Miles
10
Campsites
About White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park protects 275 square miles of white gypsum sand dunes in the Tularosa Basin of New Mexico. Unlike typical sand dunes made of quartz, these dunes are made of gypsum crystals, giving them a brilliant white color and making them cool to the touch even in summer. The park became America's 62nd national park in 2019. Many animals here have evolved white coloring for camouflage, including the bleached earless lizard and white Apache pocket mouse.
Park Highlights
- Gypsum Dune Field
- Alkali Flat Trail
- Dune Life Nature Trail
- Sunset Stroll
- Heart of the Sands
- Full Moon Programs
Activities
Wildlife
Visitor Information
$25
Entrance Fee
Spring, Fall
Best Seasons
Visitor Tips
- Bring sunglasses - the white sand is blinding
- Rent sand sleds at the visitor center
- Park may close for missile testing
- Full moon nights offer special programs
Location
Official Resources
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