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White Sands National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder where waves of pure white gypsum sand stretch endlessly across the desert. Driving through the park feels like entering another world, with glowing dunes that shift daily with the wind. The landscape is peaceful, silent, and constantly changing, offering a sense of awe and isolation.
You’ll have the chance to step out and experience the dunes up close. Walking on the Alkali Flat Trail, you’ll uncover fascinating stories hidden in the sands—from the region’s ancient past to the people and forces that shaped it. These tales bring the landscape to life, adding meaning to every step across the dazzling white terrain.
Despite its stark appearance, the park is alive with desert-adapted plants and animals. The white sands glow gold as the sun sets, and the night sky puts on a show. With storytelling woven into the landscape, this is more than a visit—it’s a journey.
Starts on Route 70—follow signs to White Sands National Park.
The tour takes 1.5 to 5 hours, depending on how much you explore.
The driving distance is 10 miles, and the walking distance is 5 miles.
White Sands National Park is famous for its stunning, wave-like dunes of pure white gypsum sand—the largest of their kind in the world.
The best time to visit White Sands is in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) when temperatures are mild and skies are clear.