You are surrounded by glistening white sands against the clear blue sky, but there is no ocean in sight. You see footprints on the wave-like sand dunes, even though you cannot seem to find visible traces of life. You can touch the baby-powder-like sands beneath your feet, yet everything feels surreal at the same time.
Nested in the Tularosa Basin of southern New Mexico, White Sands National Park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Its expansive snow-white sand dunes we see today are the result of gypsum deposits from the rising and falling of sea levels, along with wind and weathering millions years in the making. Come visit, as this is one of the most unique and mesmerizing landscapes that will leave you in awe.
Tips
- The park is close to White Sands Missile Range, which regularly conducts military tests and the park might close as a result. Check park closure before you go: https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/park-closures.htm
- If you drive from the south via US70, you will have to pass through the Border Patrol checkpoint station. Be sure to carry your immigration documents along if you are not a US citizen: https://www.visitlascruces.com/things-to-do/attractions/white-sands-national-park/
- No lodging options are available within the park, but you can plan to stay at either Alamogordo (~15 miles east from the park) or Las Cruces (~52 miles west from the park).