There is no public transport to White Sands National Monument, so if flying into one of the above places, plan on renting a car. White Sands visitor center is located on Highway 70. If coming from Tucson you'd take I-10 East to Las Cruces, or if coming from El Paso you'd take the I-10 West to Las Cruces.

Simply so, how do I get to White Sands National Park?

The entrance to the park can be found between mile markers 199 and 200 on Highway US-70. Head west on Highway US-70 towards Las Cruces. The visitor center is located about 15 miles (24 km) west of Alamogordo on the north side (right-hand side) of the road. Head east on Highway US-70 towards Alamogordo.

Also Know, how much time do you need at White Sands National Monument? 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.

Also question is, can you drive through White Sands National Park?

The first five miles of Dunes Drive are paved and the last three miles are a hard-packed gypsum sand road. The road is suitable for cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and buses. From time to time, White Sands Missile Range performs missile tests that may close Highway 70 to traffic.

What city is closest to White Sands National Monument?

White Sands National Monument is located just 13 miles outside of the small town of Alamogordo and 50 miles from the city of Las Cruces.

Related Question Answers

Is White Sands open during Covid?

Phased reopening – some locations closed due to COVID-19

The Dunes Area, Hiking Trails, Picnic Areas, Visitor Center, and Gift Shop are open. Backcountry camping is unavailable.

Do I need a reservation to visit White Sands National Park?

Reservations are not needed to enter the park; however, some of our interpretive programs require advance reservations. National parks, like White Sands National Park, are special places for all to enjoy now and into the future.

Is White Sands worth visiting?

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.

Is White Sands still radioactive?

A visit to Trinity, where the first A-bomb was tested in 1945, turns up radiation still. The White Sands Missile Range in the New Mexico desert is home to Trinity, the place where the nuclear age began on July 16, 1945. Twice a year, in April and October, the site has opened to the public.

How much does White Sands National Park cost?

Starting Jan. 1, 2020, the entrance fees to the park will be $25 per vehicle, $15 per person, and $20 per motorcycle, officials said. This means a car with four people would only have to pay $25 to get in and not $60 for the four individual passengers.

How much does white sand cost?

Effective Jan. 1, 2019, the entrance fees to the park will be $20 per vehicle, $10 per person and $15 per motorcycle. For instance, a car with three passengers would pay the $20 per vehicle fee and not $30 for the three individual passengers. There are also five fee-free days each year.

What do you wear to White Sands?

The gypsum sand is very fine and will get into every nook and cranny of your tennis shoes or hiking shoes. So unless you plan on walking several miles or really need the ankle support, I recommend wearing hiking sandals or even going barefoot at White Sands National Park.

What is the best time to visit White Sands National Monument?

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 from 70?

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 ride ATVS in White Sands?

​White Sands Missile Range opened a nearly 15 acre ATV course for community members with all-terrain vehicles to ride within the range, Jan. 13.

How much are sleds at White Sands?

The sleds are 16.99 each and you get a five dollar refund if you bring it back. They do have used sleds for ten but they are rarely available. This is so much fun for kids. It's worth it just to watch them run up and down the hills.

Can you take sand from White Sands?

Otero County Commissioner called out for taking sand from White Sands National Monument. However, according to the National Park Service website, taking sand from the monument is against the law. “We allowed people to take little bags of it home and they were real appreciative of it,†Griffin said.

What animals live in White Sands?

Many species of mammals make their home in White Sands National Park, including foxes, rodents, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, rabbits, and porcupines. Learn more about the interesting behaviors and unique adaptations of these mammals.

What do you wear to sand sledding?

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 should I stay when visiting the White Sands National Monument?

In short, Alamogordo is the best place to stay near White Sands National Park. No other place to stay near White Sands 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.

Does it snow in White Sands New Mexico?

White Sands, New Mexico gets 11 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. White Sands averages 3 inches of snow per year.

Are dogs allowed at White Sands?

Pets love White Sands! To them, it's full of new scents, sights, cool, soft sand, and excitement! You'll love bringing your furry companions with you to the park, too.as long as they are non-disruptive, on a leash no longer than six feet, and are under physical control at all times.

Is White Sands a national park or a national monument?

Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, which includes a provision that re-designates White Sands National Monument as White Sands National Park, making it the 62^nd designated national park in the National Park System.

Do snow sleds work on sand dunes?

No, snow sleds will not slide on the dunes. The sand does not act the same way as snow so the snow sleds don't work.

Is White Sands a city?

White Sands is a census-designated place (CDP) in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States. It consists of the main residential area on the White Sands Missile Range. As of the 2010 census the population of the CDP was 1,651.

What cities are near White Sands?

White Sands Missile Range, NM - Nearby Cities

• Las Cruces, NM.
• Las Cruces is located about 25 miles from the White Sands Missile Range and is home to a rich history and cultural diversity.
• El Paso is home to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center as well as the University of Texas at El Paso.

What makes White Sands unique?

At White Sands, it's the unique dune environment that's being preserved. The gypsum dunes are home to a unique ecosystem of plants and wildlife, many of which only exist here in the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert.