The Sunset Stroll is a leisurely, ranger-guided stroll through the gypsum sand dunes. It is a splendid opportunity to experience the dunes first-hand while learning about the uniqueness of our geology, plants, and animals. As an added bonus, the stroll is timed to end at sunset, providing a panoramic view of the sun setting over the mountains and the potential for some breath-taking photographic opportunities.

Sunset Stroll

Have you ever wanted to hike the dunes under the magical glow of the moon? This is your chance to enjoy the peace and serenity of this elusive environment and experience unique stories of the park. Moonlight hikes are offered March through November, on nights surrounding the full moon.
Click the link below for more information.

Moonlight Hike

Have you ever wondered how the white sands formed and why Lake Lucero is often referred to as the birthplace of the dunes? Take a tour to Lake Lucero with a ranger and learn about the formation of the sands.

Lake Lucero Tour

Auto and ATV

Scenic Driving

Biking

Road Biking

Camping

Backcountry Camping

Food

Picnicking

Guided Tours

Hiking

Junior Ranger Program

Architecture and Building

Animals

Birds

Fish

Dunes

Fossils and Paleontology

Geology

Groundwater

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.

Per vehicle fee is charged to visitors for entry by a single, private non-commercial vehicle. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.

Entrance - Private Vehicle

Per person fee is charged to visitors for entry by means other than a single, private non-commercial vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who enter the park by walking and bicycling. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.

Entrance - Per Person

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Motorcycle

Commercial bus/van tours are charged a flat rate based on the capacity of the vehicle (not the number of persons on board).

Commercial Entrance - Van

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

This pass admits the pass holder and three persons (16 years and older) in a private non-commercial vehicle into the park for free for a period of one year from month of purchase. It can only be purchased at the entrance station to White Sands National Park. This pass does not apply to special use fees, such as camping and interpretive program fees.

Annual Entrance - Park

White dunes in foreground with sun setting behind mountain.

Sunset

Aerial of Dunefield

Ripples

Fall Colors

Shaded Dunes

White Sands

The 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

Day	Hours
Friday	7:00AM - Sunset
Monday	7:00AM - Sunset
Sunday	7:00AM - Sunset
Tuesday	7:00AM - Sunset
Saturday	7:00AM - Sunset
Thursday	7:00AM - Sunset
Wednesday	7:00AM - Sunset

White Sands National Park

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White Sands National Park

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