Harness Money

White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico, is a unique and otherworldly destination known for its vast fields of white gypsum sand dunes. Here’s a travel guide to help you plan your visit to this stunning national park:

1. When to Visit:

• White Sands is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to April, to avoid extreme heat.
• Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to explore the dunes when temperatures are more comfortable and the sunlight enhances the landscape.

2. Getting There:

• The nearest major airport is El Paso International Airport in Texas, approximately an hour’s drive from the park.
• You can also reach White Sands by car from Las Cruces, New Mexico, or other nearby cities.

3. Entrance Fees:

• There are entrance fees to access the park, which help support its maintenance and conservation efforts. Check the National Park Service website for the latest fee information.

4. Visitor Center:

• Start your visit at the White Sands Visitor Center, where you can obtain park maps, information on ranger-led programs, and learn about the park’s natural and cultural history.

5. Dune Driving:

• One of the unique experiences at White Sands is driving on the scenic Dunes Drive. It’s a 16-mile loop that takes you through the heart of the dunes, offering opportunities for photography and exploration.

6. Hiking:

• The park offers several hiking trails that lead into the dunes. The Alkali Flat Trail is a challenging 5-mile loop that takes you to the heart of the dunes and offers stunning views.

7. Sled Down the Dunes:

• Renting a sled at the visitor center and sliding down the dunes is a popular activity for visitors of all ages.

8. Photography:

• Capture the park’s surreal landscapes, the contrast of white sand against the blue sky, and the play of light and shadows. Sunrise and sunset provide excellent lighting for photography.

9. Ranger Programs:

• Join ranger-led programs, including guided walks and evening programs, to learn more about the unique geology, plants, and wildlife of the park. Check the park’s schedule for program times and locations.

10. Safety Precautions:

• Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. The white sand reflects sunlight and can be intense.
• Stay on designated trails and avoid disturbing the fragile desert ecosystem.

11. Camping:

• White Sands does not have a campground, but you can camp in the nearby Oliver Lee Memorial State Park or at the Alkali Flat Backcountry Campground within the national park. Permits are required for backcountry camping.

12. Leave No Trace:

• Help protect the park’s delicate environment by following Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and minimize your impact on the land.

13. Nearby Attractions:

• Explore nearby attractions like the city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.

Visiting White Sands National Park offers a chance to experience a truly unique and surreal landscape. Whether you’re sledding down the dunes, hiking into the heart of the gypsum fields, or simply taking in the serene beauty of the white sands, White Sands National Park provides a tranquil and mesmerizing experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.