Are you looking for some awesome things to do at the White Sands National Park? Then I got you covered!
The White Sands National Park is New Mexico’s pride and joy – and for good reason. The stunning park has so much to offer – besides just hiking.
I currently live in New Mexico, right around the corner from the park. To help you plan your trip here and find you some fun things to do – I have created this helpful guide!
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
1. Take a Guided Walking Tour
One of the best things to do at White Sands National Park is a guided hike.
There is a big variety of guided hikes and programs that are offered by the parks administration. Participation in these programs is free – which makes it a great opportunity especially!
Ranger-led Walks
The park rangers offer interesting walks throughout the park. You’ll tour the dunes with a nice ranger, that will tell you all about the geology, plants, animals, and history of White Sands.
These walks typically last about one hour and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. They walk pretty slowly and make lots of stops so everyone can catch up!
Ranger-led walks are a cool opportunity to learn about the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
I can absolutely recommend these walks, we had a lot of fun and learned so much! It is also a great way to meet other travelers and make friends.
Sunset Strolls
These guided walks take place in the evening as the sun begins to set. They are pretty similar to the ranger-led walks, except that they only happen in the evenings.
You can see the dunes during the golden hour and watch the colors change in the sky.
This walk typically lasts for about 1.5 hours.
This was my favorite walk in the White Sands – and the pictures turned out amazingly!
Full Moon Hike
During specific nights close to the full moon, the park organizes guided hikes in the night to see the park in the moonlight.
This is a super memorable experience – and if you are in town on a full moon night you should definitely do this.
Full moon hikes usually require advance reservations due to limited spots – make sure to check with the Visitors Center before your visit.
Check around two months before you are planning to visit to guarantee your spot.
Photography Walks
White Sands National Park is a photographer’s paradise – every single shot I took there turned out well.
The park occasionally offers guided photography walks led by experienced photographers or park rangers.
They can provide tips and guidance on capturing the best shots of the white desert. If you are an enthusiast who is interested in photography with a camera, this is your place to be!
2. Hiking in the White Sands National Park
Another one of my favorite things to do at White Sands National Park is hiking.
There are five different (marked) hikes you can take, depending on your fitness level.
Here is a quick overview of the hikes:
Dune Life Nature Trail
This easy, 1-mile loop trail will teach you everything you need to know about the plants, animals, and natural processes in the park.
Along the trail, you’ll find some signs that give lots of interesting info about the park.
This is one of my favorite hikes in the White Sands.
Interdune Boardwalk
This trail offers more of a leisurely stroll through the Interdune area. The interdune area is a rich transitional zone between the dunes.
From the boardwalk, you have an excellent view of the dunes.
The hike is half a mile long and great for beginners or people with mobility issues since you don’t have to walk in the sand.
Alkali Flat Trail
The Alkali Flat Trail is a 5-mile round-trip hike.
It is more suitable for experienced hikers but you can also do parts of it if you don’t feel up for the full hike.
This hike leads to the heart of the dune field to a big open space (called the Alkali Flat).
The trail is not always marked, so keep that in mind.
Backcountry Camping Trail
For overnight adventures, White Sands offers backcountry camping opportunities. This is an amazing way if you are interested in stargazing in the park.
This hike leads you through the dunes to one of the camping areas. It takes about an hour to complete the hike and it is 2 miles long.
Despite the name, this trail is awesome for a normal hike/walk as well – and not just for camping. We come here often!
Playa Trail
This short trail will lead you to an ancient lake bed, known as a playa. The trail is 0.5 miles long and an easy hike.
3. Host a BBQ at the White Sands National Park
Throughout the park, there are many BBQ grills that are free to use. You can bring your own meat and drinks and have a great time cooking a meal in the white desert.
There are plenty of benches with tables that you can make use of. Sadly, there is no shade, so it might be best to pick a cooler time for this.
This is a fun thing to do at White Sands National Park with a group of people or your family.
Keep in mind that there are no restrooms in the park.
4. Go Sledding
Going sledding at the White Sands National Park is a super fun and popular activity, especially among younger kids.
You can buy a plastic sled at the visitor’s center and explore the sandy dunes in a fun way! This is an amazing thing to do at White Sands with kids.
The sleds cost roughly 17 USD, and you can ask for a small refund if you return them to the visitors center.
You can also bring your own sled and enjoy a day of fun sledding at White Sands.
5. Discover the White Sands on Horseback
Another cool thing to do at White Sands National Park is to go for a horseback ride. You can bring your own horse to the park, but you need to obtain a permit at the Visitors Center.
You can ride your horse almost anywhere in the park. The Interdune Boardwalk, the camping area, and the picnic areas can not be visited with your horse.
You may ride at any time during the day.
Keep in mind that it is not allowed to bring horses to the White Sands National Park when there are missile tests being conducted close by.
6. Go Camping
Camping in the White Sands National Park is a cool and unique experience.
You get to spend the night surrounded by the stunning dune landscape. Unless you are craving the comfort of a hotel, this is a great thing to do at White Sands National Park.
If you are into stargazing, you’ll need to join a guided tour or stay in the park overnight (it closes after sunset otherwise).
The White Sands offers two camping options: Backcountry Camping and another designated campground at the park entrance.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry Camping gives you the opportunity to camp in the heart of the dune field.
In order to do that, you must obtain a free permit from the park visitor center. This camping spot requires you to hike for a little bit, so keep that in mind. If you have an RV, you can also drive to the site.
The park offers limited camping spots to minimize environmental impact. Make sure to reserve your spot in advance.
There are no amenities at this camping site.
White Sands Loop Campground
White Sands has a designated campground called the White Sands Loop Campground. It is located near the park entrance.
The campground offers tent and RV camping sites. All of them are equipped with a picnic table and a grill. The campground does not have hookups for water, electricity, or sewer.
Restrooms and trash bins are available, but there are no showers.
The campground at White Sands National Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
During peak season, the campground may fill up quickly. It’s recommended to arrive early in the day to secure a spot.
7. Wildlife Viewing
There is an amazing amount of different species living in the park. Wildlife viewing is one of my favorite things to do at White Sands National Park.
You can see kit foxes, kangaroo rats, desert cottontails, the White Sands pupfish, lizards, and snakes in the park.
You’ll need to look really closely though. Most of the wildlife has become completely adapted to the desert so they bled in well!
There is also a huge amount of birds and other insects, so make sure to bring some binoculars.
8. Explore the Visitor’s Center
Visit the park’s visitor center to learn about the park’s geology, history, and ecology through exhibits and educational displays.
The museum there is super interactive, so it is also a great place for kids.
You can check out the souvenir store to buy books, cards, and other interesting stuff.
Make sure to watch the park movie in the Visitor’s Center – it gives a great introduction before heading into the park!
9. Yoga in the Dunes
The white sand dunes are an amazing place for people seeking solitude and quiet.
It is no surprise, that yogis from all over the world travel to the White Sands National Park.
Find a peaceful spot in the dunes and practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga in the quiet and peaceful area!
I promise you, this is one relaxing experience.
10. Do a Photo Shooting
Another cool thing to do at the White Sands National Park is hosting a photo shoot. The white sand dunes are an amazing backdrop for any picture.
Bring your camera, find a peaceful spot, and take pictures of yourself, the dunes, or your friends.
The White Sands are a paradise for photographers!
Sabrina’s tip: there are a lot of great photographers in Alamogordo who offer shootings in the White Sands. For amazing souvenirs – treat yourself to a full session!
Conclusion
White Sands National Park is truly a hidden gem in the heart of New Mexico.
Whether you’re seeking some great hiking trails, stunning landscapes, or just a peaceful escape, this park offers it all.
As we have explored in this post, there are so many great things to do in the White Sands National Park. From ranger-led walks to full moon hikes and photography sessions – you’ll find something that fits your mood!
White Sands is a great place for young and old – and there are lots of activities that are suitable for any age and mobility level!
So pack your sunscreen, grab your sled, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in one of the most magical places on earth.
If this is your first time in New Mexico, make sure to read my ultimate New Mexico Travel Guide.
About The Author
Sabrina is a 30 year old Air Force Wife and passionate travel blogger, currently based in New Mexico. She loves exploring the Southwest USA with her drone.
Sabrina’s mission is help travellers have an authentic, relaxed and instagrammable trip through the American Southwest.
