A Day Trip to White Sands

The White Sands National Monument is a must-see for any family in Southern New Mexico. The White Sands National Monument is a vast 275-mile white sand desert sitting just a short drive from Las Cruces. The scenic beauty of the white sands offers breathtakingly beautiful recreation your whole family will enjoy.

The White Sands National Monument is a vast desert of huge, undulating white sand dunes. Our family loves walking barefoot through the sandy dunes. Keep your eyes open for animals or even small footprints they leave behind in the white sands as your family explores the White Sands National Monument.

While your family is at the White Sands National Monument, you can enjoy hiking across the white sand dunes on four marked trails. These trails are not handicap accessible but are relatively easy to navigate. You can also park your car on various parking areas off the main road and give your family time to explore on your own. There is also an eight mile, two lane road that takes you from the visitors center at the front of White Sands National Monument and through the park.

At the visitors center, your family can enjoy a short, educational film about the history of White Sands National Park and its evolution over time. There are also numerous displays and exhibits covering the history, wildlife, and geology of the area. In the visitors center, your family can also visit the gift shop where disk sleds are available for purchase or rental, giving your family the opportunity for several hours of all-seasons funsledding down the white sand dunes.

White Sands National Monument is located adjacent to the White Sands Missile Range. Occasionally, the White Sands National Monument closes due to missile testing at the Missile Range. Call ahead before your family vacation to White Sands National Monument to ensure the site is open on the day of your visit.

White Sands National Monument is a simply stunning natural landscape that your family will remember for years to come. Include White Sands National Monument on your list of must-see attractions on your trip to New Mexico.

Our kids love jumping off the sand dunes at White Sands. If you've been there before, what's your favorite thing to do there?

Learn more about White Sands National Monument at our Guide to Las Cruces website.