Driving ‘Dunes Drive’ in White Sands National Park (and 3 Must-Make Stops)

natural grooves in sparkling, white sand

One of the most beautiful places to visit in New Mexico is White Sands National Park, home of the world’s largest gypsum dune field.

According to the National Park Service, White Sands is the only place on Earth with gypsum hearth mounds and is where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Ice-Age fossilized footprints.

But if this notoriety doesn’t convince you, we’re sure the jaw-dropping, breathtaking, simply astonishing photos of White Sands National Park in this post will!

[Did you know? We nicknamed our 10-Day New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary “The Unsung Hero” because we believe New Mexico is one of the most underrated roadtripping destinations in the United States, and we’re on a mission to give this stunning state the credit it deserves!]

Here are 4 of the best things to do and see during your first visit to White Sands National Park and 15 of our favorite White Sands photos to inspire your trip!

black shephard dog standing on sparkling white sand — Let’s start with one of my personal favorite photos of Lincoln in White Sands National Park. White Sands is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the US!

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Why You Should Visit White Sands National Park [Photo Edition]

In the fall of 2020, Jon, Lincoln, and I took a 6-week road trip through New Mexico. This state wasn’t necessarily high on either of our travel wish lists, but we were looking for something to get us inspired to roadtrip again after canceling so many plans earlier in the year.

As we were searching for destinations, Jon pulled up a Google image search for none other than White Sands National Park, and I. was. sold.

Here’s why… aka: Here’s why you should visit White Sands National Park, Photo Edition!

woman and dog standing on dune field — A good example of what you’ll see at White Sands National Park, from grooves in the sparkling white sand to dune ranges for as far as you can see to desert succulents and plant life to distant mountain ranges.

When to Visit

Daytime temperatures during the summer months in White Sands National Park average 95ºF. Although evenings are cooler, there is very little shade at White Sands, meaning exploring on foot during the day can be challenging during these warm months.

Early July through late September also marks the “rainy season” in White Sands National Park, and afternoon thunderstorms are common.

By the end of September, the rainy season is coming to a close, and daytime temperatures are cooling off slightly. This is the start of some of the best months of the year to visit White Sands National Park.

Winds are also typically light this time of year, making late September through November our pick for the best time of year to visit White Sands.

Note: Although Spring temperatures also tend to be comfortable, springtime can bring high winds to White Sands National Park, making this a less-ideal time of year to visit. (White Sands is, well, covered in sand! So if you want to avoid sand in your hair, eyes, and everywhere else, avoid high wind days when possible.)

We visited White Sands National Park in late September, and it was a great time of year to visit. Daytime temperatures were still warm (and we needed to give our dog, Lincoln, a break in the shade created by a tall dune while hiking), but the evening temperatures were cool, crowds were small, and we enjoyed a great, sunny day with minimal wind.

RTL Tip: If visiting during the smallest crowds of the year is your goal, visit between November and February.

Want to tour Lake Lucero in White Sands National Park (often considered the birthplace of the dunes)? Skip the summer and plan your visit between October and March. Rangers offer a guided tour to Lake Lucero once a month during these months. Reservations are required and available two months before the tour date. Learn more here.

man and dog sitting on white sand dune — Enjoying a sunny, calm day on our first visit to White Sands National Park at the end of September.

How to Get to White Sands National Park

The closest major airport to White Sands National Park is Albuquerque International Airport.

If you’re flying, this will generally be your most convenient option. Rent a car at the airport, then drive about 3.5 hours to White Sands.

Important Note: Missile testing may occasionally close US-70, which will close access to White Sands National Park, so check the park’s website for closures to confirm hours of operation.

Bird’s-eye view of White Sands National Park and Dunes Drive, map from the National Park Service.

Where to Stay

When not closed for rehabilitation, you can backcountry camp on the sand and under the stars in White Sands National Park. (Note: There are no designated campgrounds or hotels within White Sands. This would be the only option for camping within the park.)

You can also stay at a nearby campground or RV park. (Check out Oliver Lee State Park or Aguirre Springs Recreation Area).

Or you can stay in the nearby towns of Alamogordo or Las Cruces, NM.

During our trip, we stayed in a short-term rental in Las Cruces. It was about a 50-minute drive to White Sands National Park, and after our days exploring the dunes, we enjoyed walking to restaurants for dinner in downtown Las Cruces. While staying in Las Cruces, we also explored the Organ Mountains (Bar Canyon Trail) and Lincoln National Forest.

4 Must-Do Things in White Sands National Park

These are 4 of the best and most popular things to do in White Sands National Park, and any combination of these activities will make for an awesome 1 or 2-day White Sands Itinerary.

So mix and match the following, depending on what you most what to see or do during your trip!

If you want our recommendation for how to best spend a day in White Sands National Park, here’s what we’d recommend...

Stop at the Visitor Center on your way into the park, pick up a map, and purchase a sand sled. (You could also try purchasing a sled at Walmart in Alamogordo, NM on your way to White Sands. Or bring your own if you have one!)

Then, (1) drive “Dunes Drive”, a 16-mile round-trip drive from the White Sands Visitor Center into the heart of the gypsum dune field and back. Stop at as many of the short trails and viewing areas as you’d like.

At around the halfway point of this drive, hop out of your car to (2) hike the 5-mile round-trip Alkali Flat Trail and enjoy the most beautiful, uninterrupted views of the dunes with virtually no footprints in many spots along the way.

After your hike, drive a little bit further along Dunes Drive until you reach the “West Filming Area” (or any tall dune that catches your eye). (3) Grab your sled for an afternoon of sand sledding!

Whenever you’ve had your fill of fun, get back in your car to complete Dunes Drive, finding a spot of your choosing to (4) enjoy a gorgeous sunset over the dunes.

man and dog crouching on white sand dunes — Jon and Lincoln taking a water break by a trail marker (the red post) on the Alkali Flat Trail.

Drive: Dunes Drive

The first thing we recommend when arriving in White Sands National Park is a stop at the Visitor Center. Purchase a sand sled, grab a map, then begin your exploration by driving ‘Dunes Drive’ in White Sands National Park.

This 16-mile round-trip drive from the visitor center into the heart of the dunes takes approximately 45 minutes. That said, leave yourself more time for sightseeing, as you’ll want to hop out of your car to explore and take pictures on the dunes.

(Note: According to the national park service, the first and last 5 miles of the drive are paved, and the middle 6 miles are a “hard-packed gypsum sand road”). We had no issue driving in a small sedan.

road covered in dusting of white sand — Dunes Drive in White Sands National Park

Interdune Boardwalk Trail

There are many great stops, trails, and informational exhibits along Dunes Drive. Most are short stops, but there are a few longer trails (such as the Alkali Flat Trail and Backcountry Camping Trail). There are also many great places for sand sledding!

One of the early stops you’ll come across is the Interdune Boardwalk Trail.

If you’re looking for a short, relatively easy hike at White Sands National Park, consider walking the Interdune Boardwalk Trail, a .4-mile round-trip boardwalk to view the White Sands’ dune field and the Sacramento Mountains.

Since this trail follows a boardwalk, you won’t have to worry about the challenge of trekking through the sand itself, but you’ll still get gorgeous dune views. Plus, you can learn about White Sands National Park from signs and exhibits along the way.

Dog-friendly? Yes!

Sunset Stroll Meeting Area

This stop along Dunes Drive is great for, well, sunset! See the section below to plan for a ranger-led hike that begins at the Sunset Stroll Meeting Area about an hour before sunset three days a week.

Amphitheater

The White Sands Amphitheatre is where events or Ranger-led programs are sometimes held at White Sands National Park.

You won’t find built-in seating as you do at many traditional amphitheaters, but you will find a large, flat area where you can bring your own seating or blankets to enjoy the dunes and any hosted events.

For example, if your visit falls on a full moon during select summer months, you can enjoy “Full Moon Night” at the Amphitheatre. This is free to visitors (after paying the park entrance fee), and no reservations are required.

Check the national park service for more information on events being held at the Amphitheatre during your visit!

Alkali Flat Trail

The trailhead for the Alkali Flat Trail is located just past the halfway point of Dunes Drive.

Here, you’ll find parking and a trailhead for one of the best hikes in White Sands National Park! See below for more information on hiking the Alkali Flat Trail.

hilly sand dunes on sunny day — Can you spot the two trail markers in this photo from the Alkali Flat Trail?

West Filming Area

One of the next stops you’ll find along Dunes Drive is the “West Filming Area,” a popular spot for sand sledding in White Sands National Park.

Be sure to bring your own sled or purchase one from the White Sands Visitor Center before beginning Dunes Drive, as there are no services along the way.

Fun Fact: It appears this area is named “West Filming Area” because many movies film scenes at White Sands National Park.

Backcountry Camping Loop Trail

This hike is a shorter alternative to the Alkali Flat Trail that still gets you into the heart of the dunes for expansive views.

Dog-friendly? Yes!

Hike: Alkali Flat Trail

The Alkali Flat Trail is one of the most stunning hikes in White Sands National Park and one of the best ways to see the dunes during your visit.

Don’t let its name fool you; this is not a flat trail. This is actually a moderately strenuous 5-mile trek that will take you up and over many dunes. (So be prepared for a few climbs through sometimes soft sand.)

The other thing to know about the Alkali Flat Trail is that you won’t be following a defined path or outlined trail. Rather, you’ll follow red trail markers from one dune to the next.

These trail markers are how you know you’re moving in the right direction, so be sure to spot your next marker before moving on from a current marker. (There are no prominent landscape markers to help you return to your car. These red trail markers are your lifeline!)

Although there’s no shade along this trail, you can get creative and rest at the base of the backside of a tall dune when the sun is low enough in the sky or the dune’s angled just right.

(Lincoln will confirm resting in the shade along this trail is possible. She took an hour-long mid-hike nap in the shade created by a tall dune after Jon built her a ledge to ensure she wouldn’t slide on the slope, ha!)

Besides the beauty and expansive views, one thing that makes this trail so great is its peace and quiet. While on the trail for a few hours (thanks to Lincoln’s extended nap), we only saw two other hikers the entire time.

If you’re looking for stunning views of the dunes with few footprints to interrupt your photos, you’ll find it here!

Remember: It can get hot on the dunes during the day, no matter what time of year you’re visiting. Bring plenty of water, shaded hiking gear, and anything you need to protect your pup if they’re exploring with you.

Sled: Sand sledding on a tall dune

Sand sledding is one of the most fun things to do in White Sands National Park! Bring a sled with you, purchase one from a Walmart on your way, or purchase one at the Visitor Center. Arrive early, as sleds can run out.

Unfortunately, that’s what happened when we were visiting White Sands National Park, so we weren’t able to go sand sledding during our visit. But we did see a lot of other people have fun sledding, and we went ourselves while visiting the Coral Pink Sand Dunes during our Utah road trip. So we can officially confirm sand sledding is a ton of fun — perhaps outside of the tough climbs you have to make back up the dunes, ha! — and is definitely a unique way to explore a state or national park.

There’s a lot of space to spread out with your sled at White Sands, so keep driving along Dunes Drive until you find your favorite spot. (The National Park Service says the West Filming Area is a popular spot for sand sledding, so also try there!)

Enjoy the view: Sunset from the Dunes

Our final recommendation for the best ways to enjoy White Sands National Park is to take a seat and soak up the views.

We recommend doing this about an hour before and after sunset. Anywhere is fine; park safely at a pull-off and walk just off the road to a dune where you like the view. There are tons of dunes to choose from, so spread out and enjoy a magnificent sunset all to yourself.

If you’d like a more official or guided way to enjoy the dunes at sunset, meet at the Sunset Stroll Area for a free (after paying the park entrance fee), ranger-led tour offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays year-round. See start times based on the time of year you’re visiting here.

Learn about the geology, plant life, and animal life at White Sands National Park while strolling through the sand dunes to a great spot for sunset.

Pets are allowed!

Soaptree Yucca in pink sunset hues on white sand — Sunset photo of a Soaptree Yucca at White Sands National Park (taken just off the road)

Is White Sands dog-friendly?

White Sands National Park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the United States.

Lincoln LOVED her time on the dunes!

Everything in this post (perhaps outside of sand sledding) is dog-friendly. It does get warm on the dunes during the day, so prepare accordingly for your pup and bring extra water.

NM/TX Roadtrip Idea (5 More Amazing Places to See Nearby)

Want to extend your New Mexico exploration with a New Mexico & Texas road trip to some great nearby destinations?

Starting from Las Cruces, NM…

Las Cruces, NM >
White Sands National Park >
(Optional: Adds about 7 hours) Big Bend National Park >
Guadalupe Mountains National Park >
Carlsbad National Park >
Roswell, NM >
Lincoln National Forest & The Organ Mountains >
Las Cruces, NM

Or, if you have even more time to explore, consider a full New Mexico Road Trip and follow our “Unsung Hero” Itinerary!

You can browse all of our road trip guides here.

Carl Caverns National Park, about 3.5 hours from White Sands National Park Visitor Center

Please leave us a comment below!

What’s your favorite thing to do in White Sands National Park, or which of these activities would you most like to do? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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