White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico is one of those places you have to see to appreciate. The white gypsum dunes stretch into the distance, and walking across them feels a little like exploring a snowy landscape in the middle of the desert.

Walking the Dunes After Desert Rains

We visited in the fall after desert rains, which changed the experience in a surprisingly good way. The damp sand wasn’t ideal for sledding, but it made walking across the dunes much easier. We also weren’t leaving footprints behind, so our photographs captured smooth, undisturbed stretches of white sand.

Tips for Sledding and Exploring White Sands

💡 Runway Tip: Get ready to sled. You can rent or buy sleds at the gift shop in the visitor center complex. Be sure to get sled wax, too, to help your sled glide across the sand.

💡 Runway Tip: Don’t skimp on sun protection. Be generous with sunscreen on all exposed skin. The reflection off the white sand is intense, even when the temperature feels comfortable. Bring sunglasses and a hat, too.

Picnic Among the White Dunes

Pack a picnic and take advantage of the covered tables near the parking areas. They’re a great place to enjoy lunch and take a break from exploring. One detail we loved was seeing how the National Park Service plows sand off the roads like snow.

Sunset Views and When to Visit

The views are spectacular at sunset, and if you’re lucky enough to visit with dramatic clouds overhead, the sky adds another layer of beauty.

Make White Sands Part of a New Mexico Road Trip

Make White Sands Part of a New Mexico Road Trip

White Sands is about 3½ hours from Albuquerque and is well worth including in a New Mexico road trip. Along the way, stop at Valley of Fires near Carrizozo, where black lava fields offer a striking contrast to the white dunes. Continue your adventure at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, roughly a 3½-hour drive from White Sands, to explore remarkable underground chambers and rock formations.

💡 Runway Tip: Consider a spring or fall visit and stay for sunset. Fall made exploring much more comfortable for us, with time to wander, take photographs and enjoy this remarkable landscape. Plan your visit to catch the late-day light, allowing time to leave before the park closes.

Who says you need snow to go sledding? Contact Runway Travel to plan your White Sands adventure!