Dunes Drive
An eight-mile scenic drive into the heart of the dunes.
White Sands National Park
The world's largest gypsum dunefield, 275 square miles of dazzling white waves in New Mexico's desert, great for sledding.
The cool, soft gypsum sand never gets hot under your feet. Rent or buy a plastic sled at the gift shop.
Sunset turns the dunes pink, and the park sits inside a missile range, which can sometimes close the road.
- Best Time
- October to April
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Every day except December 25
- Getting There
- About 1 hour from Las Cruces, and 90 minutes from El Paso.
What to See
0 of 3 are freeSand sledding
Fun for all ages.
Sunset stroll
Guided walks in season.
Know Before You Go
- Missile tests can close the road for a couple of hours.
- There's no shade: bring lots of water.
- It's near Alamogordo.
Where to Stay
Stay in Alamogordo or Las Cruces.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Southwest list.