Page last updated: 21 October 2024
How many people visit White Sands National Park each year?
Over 729,096 tourists visited White Sands National Park in 2023.
- 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.
- By 2021, visitor numbers reached 782,469, exceeding the pre-pandemic figure by 28%.
- Tourist numbers decreased in 2022 and 2023, with 705,127 and 729,096 visits, respectively.
How much do visitors spend at White Sands National Park every year?
In 2023, visitor spending at White Sands National Park amounted to $44.45 million.
- In 2019, visitors to White Sands National Park generated $32.72 million in expenditure. However, in 2020, visitor spending dropped by 31% to $22.49 million.
- White Sands National Park recovered in 2021, with $46.4 million spent by tourists exceeding the pre-pandemic-figure by 43%.
- In 2022, tourist spending amounted to $42.41 million, and in 2023, this increased by 5% to $44.45 million.
How many people visited White Sands National Park in 2023?
- In 2023, White Sands National Park welcomed a total of 729,096 visitors, with all visitors being same-day tourists.
How much did tourists spend in White Sands National Park in 2023?
- Visitors to White Sands National Park spent almost $44.45 million in 2023.
Impact of Coronavirus
White Sands National Park Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021
- 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. However, 2021 saw signs of recovery with 786,469 visits, exceeding the pre-pandemic figure.
- Tourist spending followed a similar trend. After 2019’s expenditure figure of $32.72 million, tourist spending dropped to $22.49 million in 2020. However, in 2021, visitor spending increased to $46.42 million exceeding pre-pandemic figures by 31%.
How popular is White Sands National Park?
- Unique Landscape Recognition: The park is recognised 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 600,000 visitors annually.
- White Sands National Park ranked 33rd with the most visited parks in 2023.
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 2023?
- March brought 101,402 visitors, driven by pleasant spring weather encouraging outdoor activities.
- April had 80,337 visitors with continued favourable conditions for hiking and sightseeing.
- With 71,622 visitors in May, marking the transition from spring to early summer with manageable temperatures.
- June attracted 64,245 visitors as early summer temperatures began to rise.
- October received 63,869 visitors, with cooler autumn weather making it a comfortable time for exploration.
White Sands National Park Facts
- Size: White Sands National Park spans 145,762 acres (227.8 square miles), 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 sledges 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.
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 August 2024. Here are the main causes of death in the park:
- Environmental Accidents (3 deaths)
- Undetermined (3 deaths)
- Medical – Unknown (1 deaths)
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, familiarise yourself with the park, and keep a charged phone for emergencies.
- Hydration: Bring at least one gallon (4 litres) 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 sledging.
National Park (NP) Tourism Statistics
References
- NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitation, Ranking and Mortality Data