Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this un
Yes — your pass gets you in.
Your pass covers the $25 park entrance fee.
- Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25Entrance - Per Person: $15Entrance - Motorcycle: $20Commercial Entrance - Van: $50Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: $60
- HoursThe park gates always open at 7:00 am with closing hours changing with sunset. The park closes 30 minutes after local sunset. Local sunset is 8 minutes earlier than Alamogordo's predicted sunset. Sunset times can be foun
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 5754796124 · whsa_interpretation@nps.gov
White Sands National Park is located off of US Highway 70 between the cities of Las Cruces and Alamogordo. The park is about 15 miles west of Alamogordo and 52 miles east of Las Cruces.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for White Sands National Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at White Sands National Park?
Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.
Yes Can you camp at White Sands National Park?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Alkali Flat Trail, Backcountry Camping Loop Trail, Dune Life Nature Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at White Sands National Park. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
The park gates always open at 7:00 am with closing hours changing with sunset. The park closes 30 minutes after local sunset. Local sunset is 8 minutes earlier than Alamogordo's predicted sunset. Sunset times can be foun
Nearby sites
Red Sands Off-Highway Vehicle Area
ConfirmedThis site is free — no fee is charged, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Bureau of Land Management / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Land Management Organ Mountains Wilderness Area
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
