White Sands National Park is one of the younger, smaller national parks in the United States system, yet is one which has nevertheless become very popular extremely quickly. That said, it is still a destination that remains relatively unknown to visitors from further afield.
Given its unique landscape, this is a real shame, as there are plenty of reasons for people to visit that they aren’t even aware of. This is precisely why we decided to create our White Sands National Park guide.
We will provide you with all of the necessary information to not only convince you to visit White Sands National Park but also to help you plan the perfect travel itinerary for when you do. So, if you want to enjoy your very own dream vacation to White Sands National Park, this is the article for you.
Facts & Figures About White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is the 2nd newest national park in the United States, having been established on the 20th of December 2019. That said, it was previously a National Monument and had been since it was designated as such on the 18th of January 1933 by President Herbert Hoover.
At 146,344 acres, it is nation’s the 37th largest national park and its 782,500 annual visitors make 31st most least visited. The White Sands National Monument Historic District which features the visitor center has been listed on the U.S. National Register Of Historic Places since September 9th, 1988.
It is one of two national parks in New Mexico, the other being Carlsbad Caverns. While White Sands is almost 90 years younger than its neighbour, it is considerably larger and more visited too.
Located in the Tularosa Basin, the park and the original monument were both created to protect and preserve a landscape that features the largest gypsum dunefield on Earth. Dunes can range up to 60 feet (18 m) in height and 30 feet (9.1 m) in width, while the field weighs between 4.1 and 4.5 tons.
It also sits entirely within the White Sands Missile Range, the largest United States military installation and has to be closed to the public during periods of testing and military operations.
Having featured lakes, rivers, and grasslands in prehistoric times, it was once home to a wide variety of different species, many of which are now extinct. This has led to a huge number of archaeological and paleontological fossils being discovered within the park’s boundaries through the years.
White Sands National Park Temperature
The White Sands National Park temperature usually ranges between a low of 22.3°F (-5.4°C) and a high of 97.3°F (36.3°C). The highest temperature ever recorded in the park is 111°F (44°C) and the lowest is -25°F (-32°C).
The highest temperatures in the park occur between May and September, while the coldest stretch is from late November to early March. The park is mostly dry but does get some rain between the start of July and early October. It very rarely gets any snow.
Best Time To Visit White Sands National Park
The best time to visit White Sands National Park is from mid-May to the end of June.
This period features temperatures that are warm but not overbearing, while avoiding the slightly wetter periods that the park can experience. This should ensure you have the perfect conditions to enjoy your trip as much as possible.
The Wildlife & Landscape Of White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is dominated almost entirely by the dunes of sand and various types of gypsum crystal that make it famous. There are, however, a small selection of other features, such as plants and small bodies of water.
The plant life consists exclusively of plants able to inhabit a desert environment. Cacti and desert succulents, such as cane cholla, claret cup, and soaptree yucca, make up most of the plants in the park, as do varieties of grass like Indian rice grass and alkali sacaton.
Other plants found in White Sands National Park include hoary rosemary mint, purple sand verbena, Mormon tea, Rio Grande cottonwood, and skunkbush sumac.
Despite the incredibly arid environment, White Sands National Park is home to over 800 species of animals, many of which are nocturnal. This number includes around 600 types of invertebrates, with many types of beetles, moths, spiders, and wasps, as well as mammals, reptiles, and 7 amphibians.
A minimum of 246 species of birds have also been seen within the boundaries of the park, while it is even home to one species of fish, the incredibly rare White Sands Pupfish, which is endemic to the park.
How To Get To White Sands National Park
The closest major airport to White Sands National Park is El Paso International Airport, in Texas, which is 100 miles (161 km) away and takes 90 minutes to drive to.
For those travelling internationally or from domestic locations not served by El Paso, the nearest major international airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, in Arizona. The distance between the two is 414 miles (666 km) and it takes just over 6 hours to drive between the two.
In both instances, the entrance to White Sands National Park is located on US Route 70, which intersects with US Route 54 at its east end and I-10 and I-25 at its west end.
How Many Days To Spend In White Sands National Park
For the majority of people, one full day will be enough time to experience everything that White Sands National Park has to offer. You will be able to go on some hikes, take some drives, and enjoy all of the entertainment and educational activities and attractions the park has to offer.
For those who really want to get everything possible out of the park, you may possibly be able to stretch your visit to two days. However, this will be the absolute maximum for most people.
The Best Things To Do In White Sands National Park
Now that you know a little bit more about your destination, it is time we look at our list of the best things to do in White Sands National Park. This will ensure you don’t miss anything out and can plan the perfect travel itinerary for your dream vacation to this wonderful natural location.
Travel The Dunes Drive
The sole road in White Sands National Park is Dune Drive, which later becomes Loop Drive. Stretching out 8 miles (13 km) into the dunes and offering a circular route for the last half of its distance, it offers visitors a chance to view the dunes, without the need for hiking.
This makes it a perfect way to see White Sands National Park for those with mobility issues, people who want to soak in the views while avoiding the blistering heat, or simply anyone who wants to appreciate the landscape in the most relaxing way possible.
See What’s On Offer In The White Sands National Park Visitor Center
Located at the entrance to White Sands National Park, the Visitor Center is a great place to get a lay of the land and learn more about the history and nature of the park.
See what fossils have been discovered here, find out what sort of wildlife you might encounter, and, perhaps most importantly, learn more about the dunes themselves.
This is also where you’ll be able to book yourself onto the many ranger-led programs the park has to offer, which give visitors of all ages an even deeper, more hands on learning experience of the park.
Hike The Trails Through The Dunes
White Sands National Park features a total of 9 miles (14 km) of hiking trails spread throughout the park, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the sands on foot.
Whether you simply want to see the incredible dunes up close or are a dedicated hiker who wants to travel all the routes in a day, there is more than enough options to keep you busy. You will even find dedicated picnic spots throughout the park, giving you the chance to rest and refuel.
Go Sledding On The Dunes
Sledding is normally associated with snowy destinations, but it is also one of the most popular activities at White Sands National Park as well. Visitors arrive in their droves throughout the year, sleds in hand, to hit the dunes and enjoy some fun filled, fast paced entertainment on the sand.
Things To See And Do Near White Sounds National Park
White Sands is certainly a thrilling destination but the region in which it is located also has more to do and see as well. With that in mind, we will now look at the best things to see and do near White Sands National Park, to help you plan the most comprehensive travel itinerary possible.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Despite being the second most populous city in the state of New Mexico, Las Cruces has a small town feel and is alive with a wonderful Hispanic atmosphere and culture. This is perhaps best seen in its most popular attraction, the Historic Downtown district.
This district boasts an incredible array of historic buildings, many of which are filled with markets, theatres, museums, and art galleries. You can learn about the city’s history and architecture, embrace its culture and cuisine, and enjoy the art and goods created by the locals.
El Paso, Texas
The 6th most populous city in the state of Texas, as well as its most westerly point, El Paso lies on the Mexican border, separated from the city of Ciudad Juarez by the Rio Grande river. This allows it to have a more distinctly Hispanic feel than perhaps anywhere else in the nation.
Shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues all boast an atmosphere synonymous with the Mexican American way of life. The city is also well known for its incredible cuisine, with celebrities regularly flying in from Los Angeles just to eat, making it a great stop for foodies too.
Best Place To Stay Near White Sands National Park – Home2 Suites By Hilton Alamogordo
Home2 Suites By Hilton Alamogordo is a wonderful, pet friendly hotel located just a 20 minute drive from the entrance to the park.
Each room is fully air conditioned, features free Wi-Fi, separate seating, dining, and kitchen areas, and luxury towels, linens, and furnishings. It also boasts facilities including a cable TV and private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
In the communal areas, you will then get to enjoy an outdoor pool, snack bar, and a shared lounge. The front desk and business centre are available 24 hours a day, while all guests are offered free parking and a choice of continental and buffet breakfast options.
Conclusion
White Sands National Park is a wonderful destination that is rapidly growing in popularity. Our White Sands National Park guide will hopefully have given you everything you need to plan a perfect travel itinerary and go and experience all of its wonders for yourself.
All you have left to do now then is start getting everything booked. That way, you can look forward to heading off on your own dream vacation as soon as possible.