Exploring White Sands National Park
What is White Sands?
White Sands is currently the US’s newest national park. In 2019, this dune field was granted protected status under the US Government and is now our 63rd national park.
I have wanted to visit the park for a few years now and I finally got the chance this August. I went up for the day after spending some time in West Texas and I am happy to say it was the highlight of my trip!
The dunes go on forever - it’s like a fever dream. This is a serious bucket-list-worthy destination!
What’s Special About White Sands?
White Sands National Park captured by Nikki Raitz © 2023
The sand dunes go on for miles. There’s no where quite like White Sands. The gypsum deposit here is so large that its like stepping onto another planet. The whole park makes up 275 square miles of sand dunes.
It’s not regular sand. This is not the same sand from beaches - it’s perfect white gypsum. Gypsum is water soluble and considered remarkably rare. It’s also perfectly round and soft, like baby powder making it a delight to walk on.
History is alive in the park. As a part of the Tularosa basin, White Sands National Park is host to fossils and historical records from humans over 10,000 years ago. If you are looking to satisfy your inner history nerd, this is the place for you.
It’s always changing. The same sand dunes you saw on your last visit won’t still be present today. The dunes are constantly shifting and changing with the wind.
You can see the whole night sky. The Milky Way is clearly visible over the park after dark. This is an ideal place to watch the stars rise. When I visited in August, there was a huge meteor shower that was perfect to view in the park.
What to do in White Sands?
Go Sledding. White Sands offers sleds to rent so that you can take epic trips down the dunes!
Take a Ranger Led Hike. Every evening a park ranger leads a hike through the dunes allowing visitors to learn a little history and see the sites.
Go Cycling. The paths in the park are perfect for bike riding. Just be sure to wear eye protection.
Snap Some Shots. It goes without saying, but the sights in the park make for epic pictures.
Stargazing. That’s right! Wait around till after dark to catch the stars rising. If you’ve never seen the Milky Way, strap in for the most beautiful sky of your life.
Where is White Sands?
White Sands National Park is in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
——————-
About 1.5 hrs north of El Paso, TX and 4 hrs south of Santa Fe, NM.
Stay in Alamogordo, New Mexico
Alamogordo is not the biggest town, but it does have several comfortable stay options.
Drive to Visit
The park is driving distance from El Paso, TX or Hatch, NM.
Save on Pinterest
