Itinerary · 2 days · New Mexico
2 Days in White Sands National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of White Sands National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov. Closest major airport: El Paso (ELP), about 1.5 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Sled down the dunes (sleds sold at the visitor center). Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Walk the Interdune Boardwalk.
- Evening: Hike the Alkali Flat Trail.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Watch sunset from the Dunes Drive.
- Afternoon: Join a full-moon or sunset stroll.
Waxed plastic snow saucers work best for sledding. Pick a steep dune face without vegetation at the bottom.
When to go
The best time to visit White Sands National Park is March–April and October–November.
Best time to visit White Sands, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in White Sands National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: sled down the dunes (sleds sold at the visitor center) and walk the interdune boardwalk on day one, then watch sunset from the dunes drive on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this White Sands itinerary?
Go in Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov, when the park is rated at its best. October and November offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do White Sands in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss watch sunset from the dunes drive. Two days is the sweet spot.