White Sands National Park is truly one of the most unique places I’ve ever visited. The endless white gypsum dunes look like snow and create an incredible, almost surreal landscape. Walking on the dunes barefoot feels cool and soft, even in the heat, which was surprising and enjoyable. We arrived early in the morning to avoid the strongest sun, and the lighting was perfect for photos. There’s an entrance fee of $25 per vehicle, valid for seven days, and it’s worth every penny. You can also use your America the Beautiful Pass if you have one. We rented a sled at the visitor center, and it came with wax included, which made sliding down the dunes so much faster and more fun. There are picnic areas and a few short trails to explore, but keep in mind there is very little shade, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Overall, White Sands is a must-visit if you’re anywhere near southern New Mexico or west Texas. It’s a breathtaking natural wonder perfect for hiking, sledding, photography, and simply appreciating the beauty of nature.
White Sands National Park completely exceeded our expectations. It’s one of the most unique landscapes we’ve ever explored—miles and miles of pure white gypsum dunes that look like snow but feel like soft, cool powder under your feet. It’s beautiful, surreal, and surprisingly fun for all ages. We especially loved hiking out into the dunes and finding our own sledding hills. You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve entered a different world. The further you walk, the more peaceful and open it gets, and we had plenty of space to sled, run, roll, and take in the scenery without crowds around. It’s basically a giant, natural playground. We brought our own sleds, but you can also buy or rent them at the Visitor Center, which is worth a stop on its own. It’s small but well done—informational, nicely designed, and a good place to learn about the geology and cultural history of the area. The staff was friendly and gave us some great tips on which areas were best for sledding and hiking that day. A few tips: Bring plenty of water. Even though the sand reflects heat and feels cooler underfoot, the sun is intense and it’s easy to underestimate how much hydration you’ll need—especially if you’re hiking or sledding. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. The glare off the white sand is no joke. Try to visit early or later in the day—the golden hour lighting on the dunes is absolutely magical, and sunset at White Sands is something you won’t forget. Overall, White Sands is an incredible experience that’s as fun as it is beautiful. Whether you’re into hiking, photography, sledding, or just wandering around in awe, there’s something here for everyone. We made unforgettable family memories and can’t wait to come back.
In February 2025, we visited the Whites Sands National Park, near Alamogordo, New Mexico. The temperature was pleasant in the 70s, and it was not the oppressive desert heat of the Spring/Summer months. This was a great National Park to visit and explore, and the white sand comes from the geologic erosion of the gypsum mineral. The Visitor Center is built with the traditional Southwestern architecture and it contains many clever displays. We hiked on the Dune Life Nature Trail and drove on the loop that goes through the National Park. We highly recommend visiting White Sands National Park, especially in the Fall/Winter months.
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