Visiting White Sands National Park as a family is an unforgettable experience! Located in southern New Mexico, this stunning park boasts the world’s largest gypsum dune field, covering over 275 square miles. The soft, white sand remains cool even in the heat, making it perfect for sledding—one of the most popular activities for kids and adults alike. Families can hike the dunes, take a scenic drive along Dunes Drive, or explore the visitor center to learn about the park’s unique geology and wildlife. Most importantly, don’t miss the sunset! Watching the dunes glow under the soft evening light is a magical experience. Whether you’re sledding, hiking, or simply taking in the serene landscape, White Sands National Park promises incredible memories for the whole family.
When to Visit
When planning your visit, consider the season and time of day for the best experience. Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, making early mornings and evenings the most comfortable times to explore. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures, typically ranging from the 60s to 80s, providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Winters are cooler but still pleasant, with daytime highs in the 50s and occasional chilly nights. Regardless of the season, bring plenty of water, and sun protection, and be prepared for the bright, reflective sand.
Where to Rent or Buy Sleds & How Much It Costs
Sled rentals and purchases (including wax) are available at the White Sands National Park Visitor Center gift shop.
- Sled Rentals: $15/day, must be returned by 4 PM (late fee: $10). Since we planned to stay past sunset and visit for multiple days, renting wasn’t ideal for us.
- Buying a Sled: The park sells sleds for $25, which worked better for our schedule. To save money, we bought just one, though similar sleds cost about $5 in New England.
- Sandboards: $25/day rental with a $75 deposit/late fee. They looked like a blast, but we skipped the rental to stay within budget. Luckily, a kind stranger let us try theirs, and it was so much fun! They had wisely purchased multiple sleds and sandboards from Amazon which was so smart! Check out the sandboards here!
Alternative Places to Buy Sleds
If you’re passing by Pistachio Land (about 30 minutes from the park), they sell sleds for just $18. We wish we had known this sooner! Local Walmarts and retail stores might also carry them at a lower price, though we didn’t get a chance to check.
Don’t Forget the Wax
Sled wax costs $2.99 at the visitor center and makes a huge difference for smoother, faster rides. We initially doubted its effectiveness, but it truly works! One small bar lasts for hundreds of sleds, making it sufficient for an entire family—even for multiple days. We had so much left over that we gave ours to another family heading into the visitor center on our last day!
Where to Hike and Sled
You can hike and sled almost anywhere on the dunes as long as when you’re sledding it’s away from roads and parking lots for safety. The park allows off-trail exploration, but it’s easy to get disoriented, so following marked trails is recommended for longer hikes.
- Designated Trails: Dune Life Nature Trail, Backcountry Camping Trail, and Alkali Flat Trail are great for both exploring and sledding.
- Near Dunes Drive Parking Areas: The first 4-5 miles of Dunes Drive offer accessible sledding dunes.
- Best Dunes: We found amazing, steep dunes near the middle of the park along Dunes Drive, especially on the Alkali Flat Trail. This trailhead parking area has some of the tallest dunes to go sledding at White Sands.
- Keep in mind: Since the landscape shifts with the wind, every visit offers a new experience. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a GPS or map if venturing deep into the dunes!
Safety Tips
White Sands National Park presents unique environmental challenges, so it’s important to be prepared.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day as there is no water available in the dune field.
- Sun Protection: Wear sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. The white sand reflects sunlight, increasing exposure and there is no shade.
- Navigation Awareness: The dunes look similar in all directions and can be disorienting. If going off-trail, use landmarks or a GPS to navigate.
- Extreme Temperatures: Summer can exceed 100°F (38°C), while winter nights get very cold. Dress appropriately and bring layers. We visited in December and it was hot in the sun, but once the sun set, the sand became very cold and we quickly put our socks and shoes back on for our walk back to the truck.
- Respect Wildlife: Animals like lizards, foxes, and snakes live in the dunes so remember to give them space and avoid disturbing them.
Where to Camp Nearby
Free boondocking spot near WSNP
If you’re planning a visit to this amazing national park and want to save on campground costs, consider boondocking! This free boondocking spot was a fantastic find. Located right next to Holloman AFB and just a 10-minute drive from the park, it’s an incredibly convenient place to stay. While the entrance gate can be tricky to spot at night, we had no major issues finding it. You do not need military access for this spot, but if you have it, you might want to check out the base’s impressive jets and facilities. Best of all, if you’re boondocking there during the week, you might even catch a glimpse of Predator drones and F-15 jets flying overhead—a unique experience! We felt completely safe leaving our camper while we explored, and the large sites can accommodate any size rig. Whether you’re visiting White Sands or just passing through, this spot is well worth considering.
Conclusion
White Sands National Park is a must-visit for families seeking adventure and fun! It quickly becomes one of our family’s favorites. Be sure to plan ahead, stay for sunset, and enjoy every moment—sledding down the dunes in this surreal landscape is an experience you won’t forget!
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