White Sands is a striking landscape and one that is probably quite unlike anything you’ve seen before. And, surprisingly, there are actually a lot of fun things to do while you’re visiting White Sands National Monument! So if you’re wondering what to do at White Sands National Monument or how to prepare before you go, this list will help you discover exactly what you’ll want to do and see while you’re here.
Things to do in White Sands National Monument
Wondering what to do in White Sands? Here are a few fun things that you will want to make sure you do when visiting White Sands National Monument.
1. Go to the White Sands Visitor Center
I often recommend national park (and national monument) travelers begin their journeys at a visitor center to get information and start their trip off well, but the white sands visitor is cool to visit for another reason.
The visitor center itself is built in the Spanish pueblo-adobe (aka Pueblo-Revival) architectural style. It was constructed between 1946-1938 by Lyle Bennett, who was a master of the Pueblo-Revival style, and while you are at the visitor center you can learn all about the process of building with adobe.
The visitor center also offers examples of other forms of artistry, including its furnishings from benches to light fixtures…and you can explore the native plant garden just outside the back door as well as the usual exhibits about the park’s history and geology inside the center. Even if you only stop through for a few minutes, it is worth it to experience the visitor center’s history and learn a bit more about the park!
2. Drive along Dunes Drive
Dunes Drive is the eight mile drive from the visitor center into the middle of the dunes. It’s a very scenic drive that takes 45-60 minutes, unless you want to get out of the car and walk through the sand or do any of the other activities further down this list (which I’m assuming you do want to do or you wouldn’t be reading this!) But whether you get out of your car and explore or just enjoy the drive, the Dunes Drive is certainly worth doing all the way so you can see many different parts of the park!
3. Hike a White Sands Trail
While you’re at White Sands, you should take the time to hike one of the trails along the route. There are several to choose from, including the Interdune Boardwalk (a fully accessible 0.4 mile boardwalk trail), the Playa Trail (an easy 0.5 mile round-trip trail), and the Dune Life Nature Trail (a 1 mile loop hike). All of these trails are easy to moderate and include trail markers and interesting signs to introduce you to the plants and animals within the park.
If you’re feeling a little more ambitious, consider taking the Alkali Flat Trail at the end of Dunes Drive. This trail is 5 miles round trip, and contrary to its name it is not at all flat! There is also no shade and no water or facilities along the trail, so come prepared if you want to hike this trail.
4. Hike Off-Trail at White Sands
One of the cool things about White Sands, New Mexico is that you can explore around and don’t need to stay on a trail at all times. But you should only do this if you have the means to know exactly where you are and how to get back to your car! The sand shifts quickly in the wind and can cover your footprints, and it’s easy to become disoriented with white sand surrounding you on all sides.
If you decide to explore the dunes off-trail, then you should make sure to keep your bearings and perhaps even keep your car or the road in sight at all times. This is especially important in the summer months when temperatures often exceed 100°F. No one wants to get lost in that miserable heat!
5. Sled Down the Dunes
One of the reasons the White Sand Dunes, New Mexico are famous and beloved is because you can go sledding down the dunes! It’s like sledding in the snow, only so much hotter. So, so much hotter.
I think this could easily be one of the most fun things to do at White Sands National Monument when it works! But there are a couple things you need to know to help ensure success.
You pretty much exclusively need to use those little round snow disks…you won’t get as good of a success rate with other types of sleds! Last time I went I tried using a long, flexible sled and it didn’t work as well as I hoped. So just go with the snow disks. You can purchase a disk from the visitor center, or from a nearby Walmart or the like (yes, they know everyone wants to go sledding on the dunes and usually keep them in stock!). You can also call the White Sands Visitor Center at 575-479-1629 to check if they have sleds in stock before you visit.
Second, you’ll need wax no matter the type of sled you use. Otherwise you won’t go very fast at all! Wax comes with the purchase of a sled at the visitor center, or you can purchase your own from Walmart or bring your own with you. The more wax the merrier (and faster) you’ll be as you sled down the dunes!
White Sands sledding can be a fun pastime, but do also be careful with the place you choose to sled. It is never a good idea to sled down a dune that ends at the road where cars might come and run you over (yes, I saw this happening when I was there). You also, ideally, want a gentle slope at the end of the dune as the sand can be packed pretty hard at the bottom of the hills and you want to land safely and not get thrown off or all scraped up.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to have a fun time sledding at White Sands! Feel free to leave a comment on this post if you do go sledding…and share any tips you may have as well!
6. Picnic at White Sands Picnic Areas
Picnicking is a fun thing to do during your visit to White Sands National Monument! There are three main picnic areas in the park: Yucca, Roadrunner, and Primrose.
Tables in these picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are equipped with a grill in case you want to picnic on more than just sandwiches. And if you have a large group, there are also some big picnic pavilions at the Roadrunner Picnic Area that can accommodate up to 20 people.
Do note that the National Park Service asks you not to use white plates or utensils at White Sands, as it is very easy for these to blow away and get lost in the sand because of their color. Instead, use bright and colorful plates and utensils so you don’t accidentally litter in the park. Learn about more leave no trace picnic principles here!
7. Go Backcountry Camping
Although backcountry camping isn’t something I had the chance to do when I was at White Sands, it is something I would love to do when I go back! Seeing the stars at night and having the dunes all to yourself sounds like a truly unforgettable experience. If this is something you are interested in doing, be sure to check out the National Park Service’s guide to backcountry camping in White Sands to learn more information including fees, permits, gear needed, and more.
FAQ and What to Know Before Visiting
Here are a few things you need to know before visiting the park!
What are the White Sands National Monument hours?
The White Sands hours vary frequently throughout the year, so you will want to check on the official national park page to make sure you are entering and exiting at the correct times.
One important thing to note, however, is that White Sands is located right next to the White Sands Missile Range so occasionally the monument is closed while they conduct missile tests. I recommend you call the monument (575-479-6124) the day before you visit to make sure it will actually be open while you plan to be there.
Is there a White Sands National Monument Map?
As you enter the park through the entrance station (after the visitor center) you will be given a paper park map. However, if you’d rather have a digital copy or are looking to plan before your trip then you can find various maps including the park brochure here.
What do I need to bring with me to White Sands?
There are a few supplies you’ll want to bring with you to White Sands, especially if you visit during the hottest months of the year. Here are a few things you won’t want to forget:
- Reusable water bottle: Bring a refillable bottle with you for hiking and exploring the monument. There is a water refilling station at the visitor center, so you can be sure to fill it up before you drive into the park. I usually bring my Camelbak Eddy or Nalgene reusable plastic bottles for hikes in hot places like this, because the plastic attracts less heat than a stainless steel bottle so the outside of the bottle won’t burn your hand.
- Snacks: If you plan to take a longer hike or picnic in the park, you will want to bring food and snacks with you. For hiking, I often bring trail mix or the granola bars I love to snack on along the way.
- Sunglasses: Sunglasses are an essential here at White Sands, as when the sun is shining over the dunes you can easily feel blinded by the whiteness of the sand if you aren’t wearing glasses! You’ll want to have a good pair with UV protection while you explore here.
- Sunscreen: You will definitely need sunscreen here! It is hot and so sunny and the sand just kind of reflects the sun back up at you so you can burn on all sides. I like this Neutrogena sunscreen as it’s easy to apply and isn’t greasy.
- Hat: You’ll likely want a hat to provide a little shade and keep your nose and forehead from burning. Bring a hat you already have on hand, or maybe even invest in a wide brimmed hat to help shade more of your head (this is especially helpful if you’ll be visiting other national parks in the near future).
Are there hotels near White Sands National Monument?
If you’re wondering where to stay near White Sands National Monument, and want to stay as close as possible, then you will likely be staying in the town of Alamogordo about 20 minutes from the monument. The White Sands National Monument hotels here are mostly chain hotels, but many of them have quite good ratings so you should be able to find a comfortable one to stay in.
Click here to check out accommodation options near White Sands National Monument!
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