White Sands National Park
HIGHLIGHTS
Sled down white sand dunes surrounded by mountains.
EVERYTHING WHITE
We chose Las Cruces as a base camp specifically to visit White Sands National Park. We’ve been to Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado and loved the experience so we knew we had to see these pristine white sand dunes and give the kids an opportunity to get another Junior Ranger badge.
The park is remote as it’s located on the west side of the Organ Mountains. That means you’ll be driving about 45 minutes from Las Cruces to visit this gem of a national park… but it’s worth it! Make sure you bring or rent a sled so you can glide down the sand dunes.
If you’re looking to hike in the park, the time of year you visit will be important in your planning. Get there early, by mid-day you’ll be wiped out and happy you didn’t come during the peak heat.
BONUS: On your way back to Las Cruces, take a quick detour and drive up to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Monument. The views are incredible and you can get quite close to the mountains if you go all the way up to Aguirre Spring Campground.