Are you wondering if White Sands National Park is worth visiting and should be on your New Mexico bucket list? Then I have got the answer for you!
Located in the Tularosa Basin in New Mexico you can find one of the most magnificent, yet underrated natural wonders of the world – the White Sands National Park.
The glistering white desert in New Mexico consists of 275 square miles of gypsum sand – which makes it a totally unique sight.
Since we are currently stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, we live right next to the White Sands National Park. We go there at least once per week – so I have all the insider knowledge!
This post will show you the reasons why I love this place – and what makes White Sands National Park worth visiting.
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
Why White Sands National Park Is Worth It – In Short
If you are still on the fence about whether or not White Sands is worth it, I got you covered.
From personal experience, I can tell you that the park is definitely worth visiting. It is one of my in the US – and especially in New Mexico.
Here is a bit of an overview of why I find the White Sands National Park worth visiting! Keep reading for more details!
- Stunning Scenery: The white gypsum dunes are unreal and make for the most amazing photos and videos!
- Sunset Views: Sunsets in the White Sands are picture-perfect. Thing stunning colors, a beautiful backdrop of the Organ Mountains, and calm surroundings.
- Sand Sledding: You can sled down the dunes and channel your inner child. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that you can’t have anywhere else in the area.
- Unique Plants: The plants in the White Sands have adapted to live in the sand. You can see some pretty cool and unique plants on your hikes.
- Wildlife: Catch sight of roadrunners, foxes, and many other interesting creatures. The Interdune Boardwalk will explain in detail what you can expect to see.
- Photography: Your camera will love this place – mine sure as hell did.
- Starry Nights: Low light pollution creates an amazing environment for stargazing, you can even stay overnight at the campsite to enjoy it longer.
- Great Hiking Trails: Plenty of options to explore, there are lots of different trails for all levels of experience
- Kid-Friendly: White Sands is great for families with kids.
- Seasonal Events: There are lots of full-moon hikes and stargazing hikes, which will connect you to nature in a lovely way
- Visitor Center: Learn all about the park’s history in an interactive and child-friendly manner with videos and exhibits
- Accessibility: Most of the park is pretty easy to get to
- Solitude: Easy to find your own private spot and have a relaxed experience. Because the park is so big, you don’t have to worry about crowds
- Ever-Changing: The dunes move, so it’s never the same trip twice
Downsides Of Visiting The White Sands National Park
Of course, there are also downsides to visiting the White Sands National Park.
For one, there are no good lodging options right by the park. You’ll have to drive at least 20 minutes to the city of Alamogordo for a decent hotel.
For most parts of the year, it is too hot to hike during the day. You’ll have to either go during the winter months or do your hiking in the evening.
Also, many people get lost in the park. It can be super confusing, and some of the trail markers are hardly visible or are moved by the wind.
You are not allowed to bring your drone to this park. That sadly goes for all National Parks in the US, so no surprise there.
Lastly, you’ll have sand everywhere at the end of your adventure. Our shoes and cars are regularly full of sand.
10 Reasons To Visit the White Sands National Park
1. Awesome Backdrop for Photography
The White Sands National Park is known for endless white sand dunes – something every photographer in the world is dreaming of.
It is hard to get a bad picture in the park – most of them turn out absolutely amazing!
The unique textures and shadows make every shot feel magical – especially if you put a subject in your pictures!
Sabrina’s tip: make sure to take your pictures during golden hour – for the best outcomes!
2. Great Hiking Trails
The hiking trails at White Sands are amazing – because they take you right into the heart of the dunes. From the parking lot to the end of the hike, you can enjoy peaceful, scenic views.
The trails are well-marked, so it’s easy to explore without getting lost. The soft sand makes the hikes a bit more challenging but super rewarding, with plenty of photo ops along the way.
There are lots of different hikes for every skill level, so it is a great opportunity – whether you are a hiker or just love a small walk!
Sabrina’s tip: check out the Backcountry Camping Trail – it has the best views!
3. Stargazing and Full-Moon Hikes
Stargazing at White Sands is incredible because the remote location means super clear, dark skies filled with stars. There is 0 light pollution, so you’ll get an awesome view of the Milky Way.
Another awesome thing to try is the ranger-led full moon hikes. During these guided full-moon hikes, the dunes glow under the moonlight, and it feels so surreal.
Sabrina’s tip: reserve your full-moon hike months in advance, they book up so quickly.
4. Peace and Quiet
Unlike many other National Parks, you can really enjoy some time by yourself in the White Sands.
While the trailheads and parking lots might be a bit busy sometimes, you will soon be all by yourself once you start your walk.
The desert is so vast – it is never crowded and always quiet. What a great place to connect to nature and yourself.
5. Interesting Flora & Fauna
The flora and fauna at White Sands are specially adapted to the harsh desert environment – it is super unique to see them in such a different environment.
You’ll find unique plants like yuccas and soaptree yuccas that survive in the shifting sands.
The wildlife is also pretty special. You can see kit foxes, lizards, and other animals that have made the desert their home.
Sabrina’s tip: make sure to hike the Dune Life Nature Trail first – to learn about all the animals and plants in the park.
6. Unreal Sunsets
Sunsets are my favorite time of day to visit the park. You can witness the sky turn from bright daylight into a golden haze – and end in a colorful spectacle.
Why? Because the sunsets at White Sands are breathtaking and you’ll find no better time to snap some incredible Instagram pics.
The sky turns into vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple. The soft, white dunes reflect these colors, creating a dreamy, almost surreal landscape.
7. Fun for Young & Old
Even though we don’t have kids yet, we can absolutely see how they would love the White Sands.
The biggest reason why is probably the sledding – we have tried it and loved it so much! Slide down the White Sands Dunes (which can be pretty steep) and race each other!
This makes the White Sands National Park absolutely worth going to with kids!
Sabrina’s tip: you can either get a sled at the Visitor’s Center or at the local Walmart
8. Interesting History
White Sands has a super interesting history.
It all started with early Native American cultures who used the area for thousands of years.
The White Sands also played a crucial role during World War II and the Cold War, with the White Sands Missile Range being established nearby for testing missiles and rockets.
The site of the first atomic bomb test, Trinity Site, is also located within the missile range.
White Sands is also home to some of the oldest known human footprints in North America, dating back over 23,000 years.
9. Stunning Surroundings
The area surrounding White Sands is just as fascinating – so you can make it a longer stay.
You’ll find the stunning Sacramento Mountains rising to the east. These mountains are lush and forested, which is a cool contrast to the desert landscape. There are lots of beautiful hiking trails and scenic views.
Nearby, you’ll find charming towns like Alamogordo. There you can see the Museum of Space History, or enjoy the picturesque views of the Tularosa Basin.
10. Awesome Visitor’s Center
The Visitor’s Center at White Sands is a great starting point for your adventure.
It has exhibits that explain the unique geology, history, and ecology of the area, giving you a deeper understanding of what you’ll see. Also, it is built in the typical Adobe-style so it is kind of a sight in itself.
There’s also a gift shop with cool souvenirs, and the staff is super helpful with tips and maps for exploring the dunes.
Sabrina’s tip: plan some time to watch the movie at the Visitor’s Center, it is awesome!
Conclusion: Is White Sands National Park Worth It?
This post hopefully gave you a great overview of the reasons why the White Sands National Park is worth visiting. The park is one of my favorite places in New Mexico, and I hope with this guide you will also have an amazing time there.
As you can see from this post, a visit to the White Sands National Park is always worth it. There is so much to do and see, it is hard not to get excited.
From ranger-guided walks to challenging hikes – there is something to do for everyone. Staying overnight in the park is not a problem either, with the two big camping grounds close by.
Make sure to prepare yourself well and keep all my tips in mind before visiting the park. This will save you a lot of hassle and make your journey more comfortable.
Lastly, read my New Mexico Travel Guide before heading out – for basic info about the state.
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.
