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
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About the Author
Shari is a camping blogger and contributor for ReserveAmerica.com. Her family has been camping for 20 years; from the first trip was with their one 3-month-old daughter to her most recent 2000-mile National Parks camping tour with five children. They've pitched their tent on West Coast beaches, in southwest deserts, high in the Rocky Mountains, and in the woodlands of upstate New York. They love to explore the outdoors as a family and hope that by sharing some of their adventures you'll be inspired to create your own outdoor family adventures. Follow their family adventures at CampingKiddos.com.
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