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Home » Travel, Adventure and Fun

White Sands National Monument New Mexico

Published: Aug 22, 2019 · Modified: May 16, 2020 by Bowl Me Over · 12 Comments

White Sands National Monument New Mexico – Glistening white dunes rise like waves or mountains of snow! Sparkling like diamonds from the distance, White Sands is truly a national treasure and a great place to visit!

Mountains of white sands against the blue mountains - White Sands New Mexico National Monument
White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument New Mexico

Get out that bucket list because I have another adventure for you!

Last year Dan and I did a road trip thru New Mexico, starting in Albuquerque, driving thru White Sands, stopping at the Alien museum in Roswell New Mexico (totally recommend doing that! Campy exhibit that was loads of fun!) and touring Carlsbad Caverns.

Today I wanted to focus on White Sands because this is a National Monument I highly recommend putting on your list of parks to visit! 

As we were driving south on Interstate 54, I could see a sparkle in the distance.

Dan said, I bet that’s the park we can see and I remember saying, no we’re too far away, right? 

A boardwalk over the white sands preserving the National Monument.
An Interdune boardwalk inside the White Sands National Monument in New Mexico helps protect the endangered plant species.

White Sands, New Mexico

Well, Dan was correct! Even though we were over 50 miles away from the park as we got closer I realized he was right. We weren’t seeing a mirage, it was actually the dunes sparkling like diamonds in the distance.

Dan planned our road trip. Though Carlsbad was the “big” draw for us, I found the park to be magical and breathtaking! 

How much does it cost to get into White Sands?

The cost for a vehicle is $20 or $10/person and the fees are paid at the entrance stations into the park.

For the most up-to-date information click here

Did you know…. For $80 you can purchase an Annual Pass that will get you into any National Park in the United States? 

Debra Clark

Bowl Me Over

Deb at White Sands Dunes, New Mexico
Me on the dunes at White Sands!

White Sands

What causes the white sands in this area?

The sands are not composed of quartz, like most deserts, but of gypsum and calcium sulfate.

The surface of the sand is cool to the touch. On the day we were there it was 90 degrees and I thought that was really amazing. The sand reflects, rather than absorbs, the sun’s rays.

Is White Sands one of the Worlds Natural Wonders?

Though not considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, it’s a wonderful place to visit! The breathtaking drive has beauty around every curve. 

As we were driving thru, there was a group of people standing at the top of a dune. A closer look and we realized it was a wedding party! What a beautiful place to get married!

Dessert plants growing in the white sands at the national monument.
White Sands National Moment - the views are stunning!

White Sands New Mexico

In summer it is well over 100 degrees. Plan ahead and bring lots of refreshments. Do not come if it is windy as blowing sand will get you stuck. 

A twilight tour is available. It’s educational as well as beautiful and the sunsets are amazing!

If you’re hiking, be sure to stick to the trails. We have had many deaths due to hikers getting lost.

There is also a nice Space museum in Alamagordo. And of course, don’t forget chili is grown here!

From Judi who lives just 50 miles from White Sands!

Can you drive through White Sands?

We were short on time and did a self-guided tour, but tours are available. I would definitely go back and spend more time enjoying views!

What can you do at White Sands National Park?

  • camping
  • hiking
  • visitors center
  • driving the dunes
  • bicycling 
  • attend a nature tour or my personal favorite….
  • sledding! The dunes look like big mountains of snow and the visitors center actually rents sleds to slide down the dunes – it’s a blast!!!

Why is White Sands National Monument important?

It is the world’s largest gypsum dune field. The dunes became a national monument in 1933 and opened to the public in 1934.

More fun adventures?

Of course! There are lots of travel and adventures on the blog – here are some fun and exciting places to visit! Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just go up to the search bar and type in travel!

  • Mesa Verde Park Co is a great adventure! Tour and walk in the steps of the Ancient Publeon People.
  • Visit Santa Fe - find all the Cool things to do in Santa Fe New Mexico!
  • The beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite are breathtaking! Click here to see some of my favorites Yosemite Park Waterfalls
  • Visit this link for more information for FREE entrance into our National Parks
  • Traveling to Salt Lake City? No need to rent a car! Here’s everything you need to know to survive downtown without a vehicle! 
  • Astoria Oregon Coast - What to do, see and where to eat when you visit Astoria!

Thanks again for joining me on another adventure! I hope you enjoyed this tour of White Sands National Monument New Mexico! Don't forget to comment below, I'd love to hear if you've visited White Sands or another of our National Parks!

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle

    August 31, 2019 at 8:23 pm

    How beautiful! If I'm ever out that way, I will put it on my list. I always like finding new interesting places to visit!

    Reply
  2. Michaela Kenkel

    August 29, 2019 at 6:44 am

    Sledding in SHORTS and TANKS TOPS?!?! That's MY kind of sledding!! I just added a new destination to my bucket list!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 29, 2019 at 9:52 am

      You definitely need to visit, it's super fun and so beautiful! You'll love it!

      Reply
  3. Kylee Ayotte

    August 28, 2019 at 8:46 am

    that looks so pretty! I didn't know about gypsum absorbing the sun - learn something new every day

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 29, 2019 at 9:53 am

      Gotta love that!! Thank you Kylee!

      Reply
  4. Nikki

    August 27, 2019 at 1:04 pm

    Adding is to our vacation list! Such a beautiful place!

    Reply
  5. Julie Menghini

    August 26, 2019 at 8:56 pm

    I'm definitely putting this park on our must-visit list! That sledding looks like a blast!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 27, 2019 at 7:33 am

      It is sooo much fun Julie and the views are spectacular!

      Reply
  6. Brandi Burgess

    August 25, 2019 at 6:42 pm

    This place looks like an absolute blast! Definitely on my bucket list!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 27, 2019 at 7:36 am

      I'm so glad, White Sands is just beautiful!

      Reply
  7. Debi

    August 25, 2019 at 11:01 am

    Wow! What a stunning place! One day I'll visit and this will be so much fun.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      August 27, 2019 at 7:39 am

      It's amazing, I know you'll love this park!

      Reply

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