White Sands

A trip to White Sands transports travellers to a unique corner of New Mexico, where endless waves of white gypsum create a landscape resembling another planet. This national park is not a city in the traditional sense, so getting here requires combining a flight to the nearest transport hubs with a car journey. When planning a visit to the United States for the sake of this natural wonder, it is worth studying routes via neighbouring cities that serve as gateways to the desert in advance.

Since there is no airport directly on the dunes' territory, the air route lies through neighbouring cities. The most convenient option for most tourists is flying into the international airport of El Paso (ELP), which receives regular flights and possesses developed infrastructure for vehicle rental. The airport is well connected to the region by highways.

Alternatively, one can consider regional airports in the cities of Las Cruces or Alamogordo if your itinerary involves connecting flights within the country. Arrival at any of these points will require a further transfer to a car, as air travel is merely the first stage of the journey to the white sands.

Direct rail service to the park is absent, as there is no station in White Sands. Travellers preferring trains can reach the station in the city of El Paso, which is served by long-distance trains. This is the nearest major railway hub from where one can continue the journey in a rented car.

Arrival options via Las Cruces or Alamogordo should be considered with caution, as passenger rail service in the immediate vicinity of these cities is limited or non-existent. In any case, the railway will not deliver you to the dunes themselves, and a transfer to road transport will be required.

Bus services connect the region with neighbouring settlements, although this is not the fastest way to reach the dunes. The route from the city of Las Cruces covers a distance of about 55 km and takes approximately 1.9 hours, which may be convenient for budget tourists. The trips allow you to enjoy desert views from the window but require a reserve of time.

For travellers departing from the city of El Paso, the journey will be significantly longer — about 150 km, and the travel time will be around 4.8 hours. Given the duration of the trip and the desert climate, it is recommended to check the schedule and the availability of air conditioning in the buses in advance.

A private car or taxi is the most reliable way to visit the park, allowing you to independently explore the scenic Dunes Drive. The nearest settlement is Alamogordo, a drive from which will take only about 20–30 minutes, making it the most convenient starting point. The highway here is straight and not congested with traffic.

If you are driving from the city of Las Cruces, expect to spend about 50–60 minutes on the road, enjoying views of the Organ Mountains. The journey from the larger transport hub of El Paso will take approximately 1.5 hours (about 130 km), but the route follows a comfortable highway connecting the main cities of the region.

A trip to White Sands requires thorough preparation, as you are venturing into a unique but harsh natural environment. To ensure your adventure is safe and comfortable, follow these proven recommendations.

1. Clothing and gear. The white sand acts as a reflector, so sunglasses are mandatory to avoid eye burns. Dress in layers: it can be hot during the day, but the temperature drops sharply by evening.
2. Transport. The best method of movement is a rented car. There are no shuttles inside the park, and walking is possible only on specific trails.
3. Finances. The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Cards are accepted at the visitor centre, but it is better to have cash for purchasing water from vending machines.
4. Health and safety. Carry a minimum of 4 litres of water per person, as there are no water sources in the dunes. Sunscreen must be used.
5. Communication. The main language is English. Download offline maps in advance, as mobile signal often disappears deep in the dunes.
6. Local etiquette. Strictly observe the "leave no trace" rule. All waste must be taken with you, and collecting sand or fossils is prohibited.
7. What to avoid. Do not set out on long hikes alone at midday. It is easy to lose your bearings in the white desert, as the landscape is very uniform.
8. Additional advice. Check the missile testing schedule. The park is located near a military range, and sometimes the road is closed for several hours for safety reasons.

Observing these simple rules will allow you to focus on the incredible beauty of the white dunes and take stunning photos without unnecessary worries.