In short, Alamogordo is the best option for where to stay near White Sands National Park. No other town is located as close as Alamogordo. But if you want more White Sands lodging options,
Las Cruces
is another good alternative for where to stay when visiting.
Which is better White Sands or Great Sand Dunes?
Great Sand Dunes are much higher in feet from bottom to top, but smaller in area than White Sands
. Both have impressive mountain backdrops to boot. If you can do both, I would.
How much time do you need at White Sands National Park?
If you just plan to drive thru and look at the dunes, play in the sand a bit and spend some time in the visitor center then
2-3 hours
should be enough time. over a year ago. 2 hours in the dunes and one in the visitor center. You can watch a free small 10-15 min video in the visitor center.
What is the best time of year to go to White Sands National Park?
Probably the best time to visit is
late October / early November
when the Cottonwoods are changing color. By mid November most of the Cottonwoods have changed color.
Can you see White Sands National Park from the highway?
It is located right off of off of Highway US-70 between the cities of Alamogordo and Las Cruces
. The entrance to the monument can be found between mile markers 199 and 200 on Highway US-70. You really can’t miss it! Just stay on US Hwy 70 and you’ll easily find it!
Can you stay the night at White Sands?
White Sands doesn’t offer hotel accommodations or RV/car camping within the park
; however, although currently closed, we do offer primitive backcountry camping in the heart of the dunes. You’ll also find many public and private campgrounds and RV parks within one hour’s drive of the park.
How much do they charge at White Sands?
ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico (KTSM) – The entrance fees at White Sands National Park will increase by $5 starting next year. Starting Jan. 1, 2020, the entrance fees to the park will be
$25 per vehicle, $15 per person, and $20 per motorcycle
, officials said.
Can you go to White Sands at night?
Yes! Most national parks are open 24/7, however White Sands is not.
It’s usually open for the sunset
, and it will often stay open later during the full moon.
How many days do you need in the Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Why
3 Days
Is the Bare Minimum You Should Stay In and Around Great Sand Dunes National Park.
What do you wear to sand dunes?
Bring
a hat, gloves, wool socks, and a warm jacket
for the night year round, because temperatures can drop. For sun and sand protection, pack a sun hat, sun gloves, sunglasses, long-sleeve shirt with UPF sun protection, and a bandana or lightweight face and neck cover like a Buff or Discrete neck buff.
Where is the largest sand dunes in the US?
The tallest dunes in the United States are located in the
Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
, many of which peak over 600 feet above the surrounding valley floor. Star Dune is the tallest, the crest of which reaches a height of 750 feet.
How do I spend a day at White Sands National Park?
In addition to exploring the white gypsum sand dunes “freestyle,” you can also
walk the boardwalk or hike one of four trails
. Interdune Boardwalk. At a minimum, take 20-30 minutes to complete the is a half-mile (650m) stroll through the dunes.
Can you ride ATVs at White Sands?
“We’ve provided a safe and secure environment where White Sands families, employees and military members can enjoy the outdoors.”
In order to ride your ATVs on Saturday in the designated area riders must first come by the Outdoor Recreation facility located in the Desert Emerald Park to register and receive a pass.
Can you drive through White Sands?
The 16-mile (26 km) round-trip drive takes approximately 45 minutes
. However, you may want to allow additional time for taking walks in the white sand, photography, or learning about the natural and cultural history. The first four miles of Dunes Drive are paved and the last four miles are a hard-packed, gypsum road.
Is it worth going to White Sands?
White Sands National Park (on Mescalero Apache and Tampachoa native land) is an extremely beautiful place and
definitely worth the stop if you find yourself near southern New Mexico
. The white sand dunes are like nothing I’ve ever seen before, comprised predominantly of the mineral called gypsum.
Can you bring alcohol to White Sands?
Help keep White Sands clean by using trash containers and fireplaces. Ground fires are prohibited.
Alcohol is prohibited within the park from February 1 through May 31
. No glass bottles or kegs are allowed at any time.
Is the sand hot at White Sands?
Hot sand? Not here: Unlike typical sand,
the gypsum doesn’t get very hot
. This makes it comfortable to walk barefoot on the dunes, even during hot, sunny days.
Do I need a reservation for White Sands National Park?
From family reunions to weddings to boy scout jamborees, White Sands National Park has long been a popular location for large gatherings. Our group use area is the perfect location for private functions, and
it is available for reservation
.
Is sunrise or sunset better at White Sands National Park?
White Sands National Monument is no different in terms of when to photograph than any other place except for one major difference.
Access to the monument is not open for sunrise with the admission gate opening roughly half an hour after sunrise
. The gate at night closes shortly after sunset as well.
Can you see the Milky Way from White Sands?
Still, nighttime is when White Sands shines brightest. In 2019, it was certified as an International Dark Sky Park, which basically means it’s excellent for stargazing. Like much of the sparsely populated Southwest,
it’s not uncommon to spot the Milky Way on a clear, moonless night.
What is White Sands like in December?
Daily high temperatures decrease by 4°F, from 59°F to 55°F, rarely falling below 45°F or exceeding 69°F
. The lowest daily average high temperature is 55°F on December 30.
Do you need passport for White Sands National Park?
The monument and visitor center are located about 52 miles (84 km) east of Las Cruces on the north side (left-hand side) of the highway, approximately one mile past the Border Patrol checkpoint station.
If you are not an American citizen, you will need to have your passport with you to get past the checkpoint
.
