White Sands National Park Statistics

Published Oct 20, 2024 · Updated Sep 7, 2026

How many people visit White Sands National Park each year?

Over 659,742 tourists visited White Sands National Park in 2025.¹

White Sands National Park welcomed 608,785 visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 31% to 415,383.¹
By 2021, visitor numbers reached 782,469, exceeding the pre-pandemic figure by 28%.²
Tourist numbers decreased in 2022 and 2023, with 705,127³ and 729,096 visits, respectively.⁴
Visits eased further to 702,236 in 2024 and 659,742 in 2025¹, per the NPS visitor-use statistics.

Bar chart of annual visits to White Sands National Park from 2009 to 2025, rising from 0.47 million to a 0.78 million peak in 2021 before easing to 0.66 million in 2025

How much do visitors spend at White Sands National Park every year?

In 2024, visitor spending at White Sands National Park amounted to $62.35 million.⁵

In 2019, visitors to White Sands National Park generated $32.72 million in expenditure.⁶ However, in 2020, visitor spending dropped by 31% to $22.49 million.⁷
White Sands National Park recovered in 2021, with $46.42 million spent by tourists exceeding the pre-pandemic-figure by 42%².
In 2022, tourist spending amounted to $42.41 million³, and in 2023, this increased by 5% to $44.45 million.
Spending then jumped to $62.35 million in 2024⁵ — a figure that also reflects the NPS updating its visitor-spending profile for the park in the 2024 report.

Bar chart of visitor spending at White Sands National Park from 2015 to 2024, in millions of dollars, climbing from $25.73 million in 2015 to a record $62.35 million in 2024

How many people visited White Sands National Park in 2025?

In 2025, White Sands National Park welcomed a total of 659,742 visitors¹.

How much did tourists spend in White Sands National Park in 2024?

Visitors to White Sands National Park spent almost $62.35 million in 2024⁵.

Impact of Coronavirus

White Sands National Park Tourism Statistics 2020 to 2025

In 2020, White Sands National Park visitor numbers fell to 415,383 due to the coronavirus pandemic. This marked a decrease of 31% from the 2019 figure of 608,785. 2021 then brought a record 782,469 visits, well above the pre-pandemic figure.¹
Visits have eased since that peak, with 705,127 in 2022, 729,096 in 2023, 702,236 in 2024 and 659,742 in 2025¹ — leaving the park around 8% busier than it was in 2019, but about 16% below the 2021 high.
Tourist spending followed a similar trend. After 2019’s expenditure figure of $32.72 million, tourist spending dropped to $22.49 million in 2020⁷. However, in 2021, visitor spending increased to $46.42 million exceeding pre-pandemic figures by 42%². Spending has stayed above the 2019 level every year since, at $42.41 million in 2022 and $44.45 million in 2023, then $62.35 million in 2024 on an updated NPS spending profile for the park⁵.

How popular is White Sands National Park?

Unique Landscape Recognition: The park is recognized for having the largest gypsum dunefield in the world, which is a significant geological feature that makes it a popular location for photography and outdoor activities.
Most Visited NPS Site in New Mexico: White Sands National Park is the most visited site in the National Park Service (NPS) in New Mexico, attracting around 660,000 visitors annually¹.
White Sands National Park ranked 35th with the most visited parks in 2025.
Read more about the U.S. National Park Ranking.

When is the best time to visit White Sands National Park?

The best time to visit is Spring (March to May) with ideal temperatures around 75°F (24°C) and a good time for wildlife viewing as animals become more active.
Autumn (September to November) is also a good choice due to its pleasant weather with daytime temperatures around 80°F (27°C) and fewer crowds, making it a quieter time to visit.
Take note that early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for exploring the park during any season to avoid the heat and enjoy beautiful lighting for photography.

What were White Sands National Park’s peak tourist months in 2025?

Here are the top 5 most visited months in White Sands National Park for 2025, highlighting the seasonal attractions and reasons for the high number of visitors during each month:

March brought 91,656 visitors¹, driven by pleasant spring weather encouraging outdoor activities.
July had 70,086 visitors¹, when summer holidays draw families despite the heat.
With 69,126 visitors in May¹, marking the transition from spring to early summer with manageable temperatures.
April attracted 66,951 visitors¹ with favorable conditions for hiking and sightseeing.
June received 62,133 visitors¹ as early summer temperatures began to rise.

Bar chart of monthly visits to White Sands National Park in 2025, with March highest at 91,656 and October lowest at 22,389

White Sands National Park Facts

Size: White Sands National Park spans 146,344 acres (228.7 square miles)⁸, protecting 41% of the world’s largest gypsum dunefield, covering 275 square miles.
Designation: Established as a national monument in 1933, it became a national park on December 20, 2019.
Location: Situated in the Tularosa Basin of southern New Mexico, it is surrounded by military areas like White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base.
Dune Sledding: A popular activity where visitors can rent or purchase sleds to slide down the gypsum dunes.
Geology: The park’s dunes, composed of gypsum crystals, create a striking white landscape, with sand depths reaching 30 feet and dunes up to 60 feet high.

Other Resources

What are the most common causes of death in White Sands National Park?

There were 7 recorded deaths in White Sands National Park between 2007 and February 2026⁹. Here are the main causes of death in the park:

Environmental Accidents (3 deaths)
Undetermined (3 deaths)
Medical - Unknown (1 deaths)

Horizontal bar chart of recorded deaths in White Sands National Park by cause between 2007 and February 2026: environmental 3, undetermined 3, medical unknown 1

White Sands National Park Safety Tips

When visiting White Sands National Park, it's essential to be mindful of safety precautions due to the park's remote location and harsh conditions. Follow these guidelines:

General Safety Tips:

Plan Ahead: Inform someone of your route and return time, familiarize yourself with the park, and keep a charged phone for emergencies.
Hydration: Bring at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per person per day to prevent dehydration.
Stay on Trails: Stick to designated trails, especially if new to the park, as off-trail hiking can lead to disorientation.
Hike in Groups: Hiking with others enhances safety, especially in case of injury or getting lost.
Weather: Monitor weather conditions, avoid thunderstorms, and wear sun protection due to the reflective white sand.
Emergency Preparedness: In emergencies, call 911, and know your physical limits due to the park’s 4,235-foot elevation.
Additional Tips: Bring high-energy snacks, avoid hiking alone, and practice caution when dune sledding.