World’s largest gypsum dune field at 275 square miles only to be followed by number 2 and 3 and 1 and 2 square miles respectively.

This place is a heaven on earth. It’s an out of the world experience, so expect to spend minimum 5-6 hours at the location. I’d say come around 1pm to tour visitor center, watch 20 min movie on white sands, enter the park, drive the white sands scenic loop, spend sometime sand sledding on dune either by buying or renting sleds and wax at the visitor center, head down to trail walk and finally ending with sunset stroll.

There’s no food stalls or restaurants on site. You are allowed to bring your food, just be respectful of the nature and don’t spread trash. Always pack-out anything you pack-in; including trash such as food wrappers and empty bottles.

Occasionally the road into the park can close due to missile testing. So please check the park website before heading to the park.

Entry fee is $25 (7 day pass) per vehicle. It’s free for active/reserved/veterans and military gold star pass holders. There are also certain free days annually. Be sure to check their website.

Plenty of parking at the site. Don’t worry about renting an SUV/Truck because your 1.8L engine like Corolla or Sentra would be just fine. The roads are paved and easily drivable.

Only one trail is handicap accessible and rest and pretty challenging for disabled folks.

Start with a 20 minute educational video at the visitors center.

4:30 pm free sunset stroll with park ranger is very informative and it can last for about 60-90 minutes. I would recommend carrying a winter jacket because it gets pretty chilled in the evening. DO NOT MISS THIS TOUR.

There are various drop in programs with park rangers which are very informative and educational. Check in at the visitor center to discover these unscheduled exciting programs.

Lake Lucero tour is pretty awesome and will be sold out in seconds. Offered once a month in November through March.

Restrooms available at the visitor center and few potter potty inside the park. This park also has bunch of picnic benches which you can utilize to set up picnic spots.