Discover the top things to do in Whites Sands National Monument. Explore the stunning, pristine white sand dunes of White Sands, New Mexico.
Plan your visit to Whites Sands, New Mexico
White Sands National Monument remains closed due to COVID-19. Plan now for when it begins to reopen. Check for the latest Coronavirus updates here.
Here is our list of top things to do in White Sands National Park, New Mexico.
Top things to do in White Sands National Monument
- Stop at the White Sands Visitor Center and information desk, explore the museum and watch an orientation video about the park. If you are travelling with children, pick up a Junior Ranger Adventure Pack from the visitor center.
Welcome to White Sands National Monument. Here are the top things to do while in White Sands, New Mexico. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Take the 16-mile, round trip scenic drive. The drive will take about 45 mins without stops and begins from the visitor centre. There are plenty of opportunities along the drive to pullout to explore, take photos and learn about the park at the interpretive exhibits.
Road trip to the largest Gypsum dunes in the world, White Sands, New Mexico. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Visit the native plant garden. Here is your guide to the garden.
Discover the plant life. Explore the stunning, pristine white sand dunes of White Sands National Monument. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Take a hike through the unique landscape of the dunes on one of five trails.
Explore the stunning, pristine white sand dunes of White Sands National Monument. Photo credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Picnic in the park at one of the three picnic areas along Dunes Drive. If you bring a blanket and have an umbrella for shade, pick your own special spot. Remember to “leave no trace” of the picnic behind.
Discover the top things to do in White Sands, New Mexico. Explore the stunning, pristine white sand dunes of White Sands National Monument. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Join a ranger program. Check at the visitor centre for the daily program schedule.
- Take an hour-long sunset walk with a park ranger. Tours leave an hour before sunset. Here is the schedule.
Sunset at White Sands, New Mexico. Explore the stunning, pristine white sand dunes of White Sands National Monument. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
See the stunning sunsets on the pristine white sand dunes of White Sands National Monument. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
See the stunning sunsets on the pristine white sand dunes of White Sands National Monument. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
- Go sledding down the gypsum dunes. Sleds can be purchased from the visitor centre.
- Look for animal tracks in the sand.
The ever-changing sands of Whites Sands National Park. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
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