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Perfect One Day in White Sands National Park Itinerary

White Sands National Park is located in southern New Mexico, about 15 miles west of the town of Alamogordo. The white sand is made up of gypsum crystals, which are formed when the mineral-rich water from the nearby Tularosa Mountains flows through the area.


Day Trip Nomad offers some great insights and things to see and do before the summer heat! Bonus: there's military lodging and camping nearby, AND military can get in to the park for free with the America the Beautiful pass.

White Sands National Park, NM Photo by John Howard


Day Trip Nomad ~ "In this one day in White Sands National Park itinerary, I will guide you through the best things to do in this mesmerizingly white dune field. From scenic drives to hiking trails and ranger programs, I’ll take you along the exact route I took during my 5 month road trip through the Southwest.


The park isn’t too big, and while it’s beautiful, the attractions here are not very diverse. So, one day is totally enough. But, if you’re a photographer like me and you miss the sunset, you might want to stay another day!


Sample One Day In White Sands National Park Itinerary

One day is all you need to fully experience the wonders of White Sands! Here’s a sample day trip itinerary to make the most of your time in this amazing place.

-Arrive at the Visitor Center to go through the exhibits.

-Rent a sled at the gift shop for some sand sledding later.

-Walk the one mile Dune Life Nature Trail to learn about the desert ecosystem.

-Climb the largest dune you see and sand sled down!

-Take a scenic drive along the Dunes Drive Loop, wandering into the desert whenever it catches your eye.

-As the sun begins to set, prepare for a guided Sunset Stroll.

-Photographer’s Alternative: Hike at least one mile at the end of Dunes Drive to take undisturbed sunset photos of the dunes." ~ Day Trip Nomad


Click the link below for the full article and some fun things to see and do!



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