
One of the Most Amazing Places in New Mexico
White Sands National Park in New Mexico is one of the most interesting landscapes in America.
For one, that’s not sand you’re looking at. Prehistoric humans lived in the area, and today, it’s also a weapons testing facility for the military.
There’s also so much beauty in the park, from unique wildlife to rolling dunes and some of the best stargazing you can have in New Mexico. Here’s why you need to visit it this year.

The White “Sand” Isn’t Actually Sand
The white dunes aren’t sand, they’re gypsum crystals. The same thing that’s used in drywall and plasterboard.
White Sands National Park is made of 98% pure gypsum across 275 square miles, making it North America’s largest gypsum dunefield.
So where did all that gypsum come from?

The Science is Fascinating
In case you didn’t know, gypsum quickly dissolves in water. So how does it stay long enough to create the White Sands National Park?
First, White Sands National Park sits inside the Tularosa Basin, a valley in New Mexico that’s shaped like a bowl. It’s called an “endorheic basin” because water can’t flow out of it.
It’s bordered by the San Andres and Sacramento mountain ranges, which contain gypsum from ancient seas.
When it rains, water dissolves this gypsum and carries it down into the valley. Since water can’t flow out of the basin, it collects in low areas and then dries up in the sun, leaving gypsum crystals behind.
Wind breaks these crystals into tiny white sand grains. The bowl-shaped valley keeps all this sand trapped, letting it pile up into the white dunes we see today.

It’s the Former Home of a Thriving Prehistoric Community
Within the park, scientists have found traces of people who lived here as far back as 23,000 years ago.
They’ve discovered footprints that show early hunters following huge animals like mammoths and giant sloths, along with footprints of kids and teenagers.
Today, several Native American tribes, including the Apache, Tampachoa, and Piro, consider this land special to their culture. Stop by the park’s visitor center to learn more about this part of its history.

The Park is Sometimes Closed Due to Missile Testing
White Sands National Park is completely surrounded by White Sands Missile Range, which is a large military installation used for testing missiles and other weapons.
Because of this, the park closes occasionally during missile tests. Check the park’s official website to check for closures during your visit.

It’s Nicknamed The “Desert Galapagos”
Over 800 animal species call the White Sands National Park home. Many of them have evolved to survive in the stark gypsum dunefield, like the bleached earless lizard in the photo.
You can check out 220+ bird species, endemic moths, and the White Sands pupfish, while mammals like coyotes and bobcats roam the dunes.

White Sands National Park Has Amazing Hiking Trails
Five distinct hiking trails wind through White Sands National Park, ranging from the accessible 0.4-mile Playa Trail to the challenging 7.1-kilometer Alkali Flat Trail.
The Dune Life Nature Trail and Playa Trail are the easiest. The White Sands Backcountry and Backcountry Camping trails are on the moderate side, while the Alkali Flat Trail, with 700 feet of total ascent, is the most challenging.

Camping is Allowed at White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park also lets you camp in its beautiful desert. The views of the stars and Milky Way are phenomenal, because there are no buildings, trees, and other structures to get in the way.
There are 10 basic camping spots that you can reach by walking at least a mile from the main road. You’ll need to get a permit first, which you can get at the park entrance between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Look for orange markers with spade symbols to find your campsite, each of which can fit up to six people. While you can’t have campfires, you can use camping stoves to cook.

Planning Your Visit to White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park is located along Highway US-70 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces. Exact address is White Sands National Park, 19955 Highway 70 West Alamogordo, NM.
As of February 2025, entrance fees cost $25 per vehicle, $20 for motorcycles, and $15 for bikes and pedestrians.
Nearby attractions include the New Mexico Museum of Space History, Alameda Park Zoo, and Pistachioland.
The post New Mexico’s Coolest National Park Has Prehistoric Fossils, Sledding, and White “Sand” As Far as the Eye Can See appeared first on When In Your State.