What to Do and Bring
Whether you're with your family or friends, you can sled down the dunes, enroll in a junior ranger program and more. Although the park is open year-round, spring, fall or winter are the best seasons to visit.
Here's what to bring to make the most of your trip:
- Bring sleds—the round, disk sleds work best. Rub the bottom with wax paper or a wax bar, for sale in the visitor's center, to go even faster.
- Sunscreen is a must-have item because the white sand is reflective, and even on cool days the likelihood of getting burned is high.
- Bring plenty of water and a picnic lunch. There are picnic tables near the back of the park so you can take a lunch break between adventures. Note that there are no restaurants within the park and only minimal snacks at the visitor center.
More: [Printable] Camping Checklist
Don't forget to try these activities:
- Drive as far into the park as the road allows. Here the dunes tend to be larger and have fewer plants on them, which makes for great sledding.
- Sign up for the Junior Ranger program if you have kids with you.
- Listen to the skins and skulls talk, held at 3:00 p.m. daily from May 24 to September 1. Here you learn about the wildlife in White Sands National Monument.
- Take a sunset stroll, at 7:00 p.m. daily, May 17 through August 3, for a leisurely end to your day of exploring.
- Insider tip: Don't miss the family photo opportunity—locals like to take their family Christmas card photos on the dunes. They're so white it looks like hills of snow.
White Sands National Monument is a great spot for your late-summer or fall getaway. Plan your trip now and get excited for sand sledding, plenty of sunshine and much more.
More: 6 Tips for Hiking With Kids
Find a Campground at ReserveAmerica.com.
