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White Sands National Park

NM

White Sands National Park

Brilliant white gypsum dunes and desert wildlife in New Mexico's Tularosa Basin.

Sunset
Aerial of Dunefield
Ripples
Fall Colors
Shaded Dunes

White Sands National Park protects the world's largest gypsum dunefield, a vast landscape of brilliant white dunes rolling across New Mexico's Tularosa Basin. The park preserves this extraordinary geological and ecological wonder, offering visitors access to one of Earth's most visually striking desert environments.

The park encompasses dune fields, scenic drives, walking trails, and picnic areas where visitors can explore the gypsum landscape and observe the specialized plants and wildlife adapted to this unique habitat.

White Sands draws visitors year-round to experience the stark beauty of the dunes and the desert ecosystem that thrives within them. No permit is required to visit, making it accessible for day trips and casual exploration.

No locations are linked to White Sands National Park yet.

Common Questions

What visitors most often want to know about White Sands National Park.

Do I need a permit to visit White Sands National Park?

No permit is required to visit White Sands National Park. You can enter the park freely during operating hours.

What makes White Sands National Park unique?

White Sands preserves the world's largest gypsum dunefield, covering 275 square miles of white dunes in the Tularosa Basin. The park protects not only this distinctive landscape but also the plants and animals adapted to live in this environment.

Can I use Open Canyon to check availability at White Sands?

Since White Sands National Park does not require permits or reservations, Open Canyon's availability alerts do not apply to this location. You can visit the park during its operating hours without advance planning through a booking system.