The eye-catching scenery of White Sands is ideal for a day trip! Stick around to learn how to make the most of your adventure.
This National Park sits on a military missile testing ground, causing closures. Make sure to check for closures here before taking the trip.
Hike The Dunes
White Sands National Park has a few hikes to chose from when planning your day trip. These hikes range from an easy half mile stroll on the Playa trail, to a strenuous 5 mile trek through the dunes of the Alkali Flat trail. With just a day, we recommend the Interdune Boardwalk trail. This trail is a mile long boardwalk full of information about the park’s plants, animals, and history. Keep a lookout for Bleached Lizards!
Sledding
Only a few miles into the park, the flora of the dunes becomes more spread out, letting the gypsum’s snowy-white hills shine. This is where the fun begins! Be sure to bring a sled (and some wax) to slide down the steep dunes.
Watch The Sunset
After a day of sledding and exploring, find a spot to get comfy and watch the sunset. The hue of colors against the white sand is something quite memorable. The temperature drops dramatically as the sun goes down, so be sure to bring a jacket!
Other Things To Do
▸Full Moon Hike: Available once a month, you will be guided through the dunes by a ranger. Certified as an International Dark Sky, White Sands provides a clear display of the universe above.
▸Lake Lucero Tours: Tours of this lakebed are offered once a month. A Park Ranger will lead you through thousands of exposed selenite crystals, teaching you about the geological and cultural history of the area.
▸CJ Si Senior: A local Mexican food spot located in the nearby town of Alamogordo. With reasonable prices and complimentary chips and salsa, how could you go wrong?
▸The World’s Largest Pistachio: This nutty attraction is worthy of a photo-op, which stands at 30 feet tall. Don’t forget to grab some fresh pistachio brittle, or a handmade pistachio milkshake at McGinn’s PistachioLand!
