White Sands Day Trip: Discover Gypsum Wonders & Scenic Drives

White Sands National Monument in New Mexico is at an elevation of 4235 feet in the Tularosa Basin. A natural wonder with glistening white sands made of gypsum crystals, it is the world’s largest gypsum dune field, covering an astonishing 275 square miles. Along with dunes, the area is home to plants and animals that have adapted to living in sweltering summers and cold winters, with scarce water resources available. A national monument since 1934, the park provides a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. Here are some fun activities while visiting this unique gypsum dune landscape:

Hiking White Sands: Exploring The Trails

The best way to experience the landscape of White Sands National Monument is to hike through the area. There are five established trails to explore, varying in length, scenery, and difficulty levels. Plenty of information is available at the Visitor Center before you embark on your hike. Each trail is marked with distinct colored posts and symbols, so familiarize yourself with this information at the Visitor Center before commencing your trek. For serious hikers, the Alkali Flat Trail is a problematic five-mile-long trail.

Interdune Boardwalk Accessible Trail

For visitors needing assistance, consider the Interdune Boardwalk, a short and easy trail that’s perfect for a quick introduction to the gypsum dune landscape. It’s accessible for people with wheelchairs or strollers. Another easy trail is the Playa Trail, located just over half a mile away, featuring numerous outdoor exhibits. The Dune Life Nature Trail is a mile-long, self-guided loop with steep dunes and loose sand. Be cautious of animals along this trail.

Sledding Down the Dunes

Try sledding down the dunes for a fun experience at the White Sands National Monument. It’s a popular activity here, and the powdery white gypsum makes for an ideal sledding experience. Permitted in the loop portions of the Dunes Drive, you can buy a plastic snow saucer from the gift shop and experience this fun activity. Pick gentler slopes for safety, and wax your sled for speed. It’s a family favorite, especially for kids.

White Sands Dunes Scenic Drive

If you want to experience the stunning white dunes without leaving your vehicle, consider taking the Dunes Drive. This scenic round trip stretches sixteen miles from the Visitor Center to the heart of the gypsum dune field. Set aside time to step out of your vehicle and capture pictures of the breathtaking vistas, then take a moment to explore the dunes. Dunes Drive provides fantastic views of the surrounding white dunes and the distant San Andres Mountains. It’s perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone short on time.

Backcountry Camping Experience

One of the best ways to enjoy the monument is through backcountry camping. Camp out amid the glistening white dunes for an unmatched experience. There are approximately ten primitive backcountry campsites available, and a permit must be obtained at the Visitor Center. Be prepared to hike for at least 1 mile to your campsites.

White Sands Ranger Programs

For a more in-depth experience, signing up for one of the many Ranger Programs on offer is a good idea. It’s the perfect way to learn more about the monument and its diversity. You could opt for a Sunset Stroll, a one-hour ranger-guided walk across the dunes to learn about the area’s geology, plants, and animals.

White Sands Moonlight Hikes

The Moonlight hikes are also a unique experience from May to October. Time your visit to coincide with a Full Moon Night to enjoy a range of fun activities at the park, including live music, ranger programs, and special events. The park may stay open later for Full Moon Nights with separate events, music, and stargazing. You can explore the dunes on your own during these extended hours, but the park typically closes at sunset; otherwise, guided hikes are the primary way to experience the dunes at night.

Tips Before You Visit:

• Visit early or late to avoid heat (summer highs hit 100°F) and crowds.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and sunglasses—gypsum reflects the sun’s rays intensely.
• Check the park website or call (575-479-6124) for information on closures due to missile testing at the nearby White Sands Missile Range.
• The entry fee is $25 per vehicle for 7 days or $15 per individual. Admission is free for holders of America the Beautiful passes.

Getting To White Sands National Monument

The visitor center and Dunes Drive are off Highway US-70 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces. The monument is about one hour from Las Cruces, NM, or 1.5 hours from El Paso, TX. Visit the White Sands National Monument website for more information.

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