United States New Mexico
White Sands National Park
A vast desert in New Mexico featuring glistening white gypsum dunes, unique flora and fauna, and a landscape ideal for sledding and exploration.
- (575) 479-6124
- https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm
Tips from the community
Hey now, this is what dreams are made of. White Sands National Park is 275 square miles of sparking white gypsum sand dunes. With few trails (and even fewer rules), White Sands is the perfect place if you’re looking to get lost for a couple hours…or days, whatever. Dogs welcome, bring loads of sunscreen, and don’t forget to rent a sled: White Sands is famous for its sleddable snow-like dunes.
Honorable Mentions: Williams Lake, Wheeler Park
leah 3 years ago
Wear the sunnies for this one, folks! Yep, the ‘white’ in White Sands National Park really is white. It unfolds along more than 270 square miles of the Chihuahuan Desert, dashing a scintillating patchwork of shifting gypsum hills across the southern heart of New Mexico. Yucca and skunkbush pepper the landscapes as strange lizards dart this way and that over the dunes. However, most human visitors come for amazing experiences like full-moon hikes and sandboarding sessions.
jrfrancis 4 years ago
Rising from the heart of New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, White Sands National Park has earned the title of the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Visitors can hike around the pristine dunes, partake in education ranger-led programs, and even try their skills at sandboarding in a few designated places around the park. With trails that range from easy to extremely difficult, it’s a perfect jumping off point for every-level of experience.
sarahlempa 4 years ago
Leah Fishman, @leahfishman writes: "I dig White Sands because it’s way off-the-beaten path. Unlike other parks that can feel weirdly like amusement parks (complete with crowded parking lots and winding lines to see the big attractions), you can go totally rogue at White Sands. No trails here, puppies are welcome, you can sled, picnic, take pics — this is one of the only NPs where you can wander aimlessly for hours without breaking a rule or bumping up against other people."
seeker 3 years ago
Rising from the heart of New Mexico’s Tularosa Basin, White Sands National Park has earned the title of the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Visitors can hike around the pristine dunes, partake in education ranger-led programs, and even try their skills at sandboarding in a few designated places around the park. With trails that range from easy to extremely difficult, it’s a perfect jumping off point for every-level of experience.
seeker 3 years ago
White Sands National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in the heart of the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico. The park offers visitors an unforgettable experience of the world's largest gypsum dunefield, with powdery white sands stretching over 275 square miles. It offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives through the desert landscape that is truly one of the best deserts in the world.
seeker 1 year ago
Witness a true natural wonder of the world, the silky white sands of New Mexico, at this unique and spectacular national park nestled in the heart of the desert. Explore eerily white pigmented sand dunes, flower gardens, and obscure cacti formations at this mystical national park.
seeker 3 years ago
Sledding down the dunes is one of the most popular activities at White Sands National Park. Really, any dune will do, but the ones at Yucca Picnic Area work well since they’re close to parking and offer some shaded picnic benches.
michaelwarford 2 years ago
Awesome experience sledding down the sand dunes! Thankfully we were there in January as it must get crazy hot there in the summer.
amanda.t.dwyer 3 years ago
white sands is amazing!
leah 1 year ago
Hiking, sledding, history
lwithrow 3 years ago
White Sands National Park Guides
Map of National Parks in the US
seeker (Seeker Editors) The US boasts an impressive 63 national parks, each with its own distinct character, awe inspiring views and countless ways to connect with nature. The parks are managed by the National Park Service which offers an annual pass for access to all 63 parks throughout the year for one flat price. Let's explore.Bucket List Summer Trip <3
ashbwi (Ashley Wise)do before i die destinations
leah (Leah Fishman) If I don't get to sip tea in Sri Lanka's hillside, read books in the Lake District, cozy up with Christmas lights in Zermatt, and watch grizzlies catch fish in Alaska before I die, I'm gonna *riot*. From the totally obtainable (White Sands National Park) to the obscure (Lofoten), here's my big, bad, do-before-I-die bucket list.New Mexico Roadtrip
stillontheroad (Giada Matera) This is one of multiple roadtrips of my dreams 🤩Favorite National Parks with young kids
amanda.t.dwyer (Amanda Dwyer) These have been some of our favorite US National Parks during our RV adventure this yearYou Can Find Me Here Once Covid Is Over
stillontheroad (Giada Matera) Here is a list of places I would like to visit once the pandemic will be long gone.Places to See Before I Die
jeanlouise (Jean Tiston) This is a work in progress list that I would constantly update as I go along :)The Most Colorful Places Around the World
seeker (Seeker Editors) Discover some of the most otherworldly and ethereal landscapes gleaming in heavy pigments, from alkaline red lakes to banana-colored volcanic landscapes. For Pride month we wanted to select the most vibrant destinations across the planet in every shade of ROYGBIV to create the ultimate rainbow-themed bucket list. Let your rainbow flags fly this summer while taking a look at some of the most colorful places on earth. Happy Pride Seekers!Top Travel Picks from Women of Seeker
seeker (Seeker Editors) Happy International Women's Day! We're always inspired by the badass women who help to make our community such a vibrant, unique bunch of travelers. We asked women in our community their favorite places to travel, and they had some pretty epic ideas to share. Hear why these places are near to their hearts, and save 'em for the future so they can eventually be close to yours too:our big U.S road trip (2020-2021)
leah (Leah Fishman) In September 2020, I sold all my stuff, packed up my car, and hit the road with my 12-year-old pup, Fiona. We started in Vermont and are currently in Mississippi. Up next: Tampa, FLNational Parks Visited
lwithrow (Lindsay Withrow) 50 and counting!two months in new mexico
leah (Leah Fishman) I'm headed to New Mexico in December and am planning a totally solo, COVID-safe getaway with my pup Fiona. We snagged a casita between Santa Fe & Taos and plan to hit all the best hikes within reach. Food stops are for take-out only, national parks will be visited on off-days, and museums will have to be saved for the next trip (RIP Meow Wolf).Best Deserts of the World
seeker (Seeker Editors) Deserts are often the most neglected of all of Mother Nature's wonders, but this list will have you thinking about adding a sandy oasis to your bucket list. Witness the silky sands across the world as you explore one of the most beautiful landscapes across the planet. These destinations will have you uncovering secret towns and picturesque rock formations- let's take a look at some of our favorite deserts from around the world.
White Sands National Park Articles
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The Best Things to Do in New Mexico (from A to Z)
Read more...Tucked in the heart of America’s southwest lies the Land of Enchantment: miles upon miles of vast desert, caves, museums, wacky installations and…aliens? This patch of the U.S is where artists retreat, where adobes outnumber hotels, and where your imagination can run absolutely wild. From strange rock formations and plunging caverns to Earthships and UFO […]
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White Sands National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023
Read more...White Sands National Park is surreal in the best sense of the word. Snow-white sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, with the San Andres Mountains framing the horizon. It’s hard to understand just how strange miles and miles of blindingly-white sand is until you visit this wild US national park in […]