White Sands National Park: Like No Place Else on Earth (Literally!)
If you've ever dreamed of stepping onto an otherworldly landscape, where waves of dazzling white sand stretch endlessly beneath an electric blue sky, then White Sands National Park needs to be on your bucket list. Their tagline, Like No Place Else on Earth, isn't just marketing fluff—it’s the real deal. I spent a single day here, and let me tell you, it was semi-life-changing experience.
Getting There
I loved the Airbnb I stayed in while visiting Las Cruces for the week. Granted there isn’t much to do in Las Cruces besides visiting New Mexico State University and White Sands National Park, so it was pretty easy to find an affordable place right in the heart of town.
Las Cruces is the closest major city to the park and about an hour’s drive from the entrance. I recommend rising with the sun and getting your journey started early…why? Because White Sands Missile Range regularly conducts military tests and for visitor safety, the only road into the dune field, Dunes Drive, may be closed for periods of up to three hours during military tests.
Follow this page for closure information.
Dunes Drive: Your Gateway to White Sands Magic
After a quick stop at the visitor center, I headed onto the Dunes Drive, the only road leading deep into the gypsum dune field. This 16-mile round-trip scenic drive takes about 45 minutes, but trust me, you’ll want to factor in extra time for pulling over, snapping photos, and just soaking in the beauty of it all.
Here’s what you need to know about Dunes Drive:
The first 4 miles are paved, but the last 4 are a hard-packed gypsum road (don’t worry, it’s smooth and drivable for most vehicles!).
Along the way, you’ll find hiking trails, picnic areas, and vault toilets (because, priorities!).
The deeper you go, the more surreal and untouched the landscape becomes.
I drove about 7 miles in and parked near the Backcountry Camping Trailhead—the perfect spot to unleash my inner child and try sand sledding!
Sand Sledding: A Hilariously Epic Fail (But So Worth It!)
Yes, you can sled down the dunes! Just like on snow—except this is warm, silky-soft sand instead. I bought one at a local gas station, yes they are offered everywhere because everyone is heading to the park (you can also rent or buy one at the visitor center) and launched myself down the dunes (sort of).
Spoiler alert: I failed miserably so many times and couldn’t stop laughing. It was equal parts exhilarating and humbling, but absolutely worth it. If you try this, go for the steeper dunes for maximum fun, and try waxing your sled for extra speed.
Hiking Alkali Flat Trail: One of the Best Experiences of My Life
After dusting off the sledding embarrassment, I headed to the very back of the park to hike the Alkali Flat Trail—a 5-mile loop that leads you deep into the dunes, where the landscape stretches into infinity.
Let me just say: this hike ranks in my top 10 life experiences.
Here’s why:
It’s completely surreal. The path markers are few and far between, so you’re just rolling white dunes in every direction.
I went barefoot (highly recommend!). The sand is cool, soft, and finer than beach sand—walking on it felt like stepping on powdered sugar.
It’s peaceful and meditative. There were moments when I felt like the only person on Earth—just me, the wind, and the endless white expanse.
A few quick tips:
Go early or late in the day to avoid the heat.
Bring extra water—the dry desert air will zap your energy.
Stop and take loads of pictures
Final Thoughts: Why White Sands Needs to Be on Your Travel List
Even with just one day here, I felt completely transformed by the experience. There’s something deeply humbling about standing in a place so vast, so untouched, and so unlike anything else on Earth.
Whether you’re up for a peaceful hike, a laugh-filled sledding session, or just soaking in the dreamlike scenery, White Sands delivers an experience you won’t forget.
One final tip…keep an. eye on the New Mexico weather. It can change at the drop of a hat! While visiting the white sands I was rocking a cotton short sleeve shirt and it was a delightful high-60s. The next day it was in the high 20s and snowing…Happy Valentine’s Day from the Land of Enchantment.
