{
    "componentChunkName": "component---src-templates-markdown-content-js",
    "path": "/destinations/usa/nm/Best-Things-To-Do-in-White-Sands/",
    "result": {"data":{"mdx":{"body":"var _excluded = [\"components\"];\n\nfunction _extends() { _extends = Object.assign || function (target) { for (var i = 1; i < arguments.length; i++) { var source = arguments[i]; for (var key in source) { if (Object.prototype.hasOwnProperty.call(source, key)) { target[key] = source[key]; } } } return target; }; return _extends.apply(this, arguments); }\n\nfunction _objectWithoutProperties(source, excluded) { if (source == null) return {}; var target = _objectWithoutPropertiesLoose(source, excluded); var key, i; if (Object.getOwnPropertySymbols) { var sourceSymbolKeys = Object.getOwnPropertySymbols(source); for (i = 0; i < sourceSymbolKeys.length; i++) { key = sourceSymbolKeys[i]; if (excluded.indexOf(key) >= 0) continue; if (!Object.prototype.propertyIsEnumerable.call(source, key)) continue; target[key] = source[key]; } } return target; }\n\nfunction _objectWithoutPropertiesLoose(source, excluded) { if (source == null) return {}; var target = {}; var sourceKeys = Object.keys(source); var key, i; for (i = 0; i < sourceKeys.length; i++) { key = sourceKeys[i]; if (excluded.indexOf(key) >= 0) continue; target[key] = source[key]; } return target; }\n\n/* @jsxRuntime classic */\n\n/* @jsx mdx */\nvar _frontmatter = {\n  \"type\": \"Destination\",\n  \"title\": \"The Best Things To Do in White Sands National Park: Visit One of the Most Unique National Parks\",\n  \"banner\": \"./meonsand.jpg\",\n  \"categories\": \"USA NM\",\n  \"tags\": [\"US National Parks\"],\n  \"affiliate\": true,\n  \"pins\": [\"whitesandspins-01.png\", \"whitesandspins-02.png\", \"whitesandspins-03.png\"],\n  \"related\": [\"Guadalupe-Mountains-Hiking\", \"Visiting-Taos-New-Mexico\"],\n  \"description\": \"Read about the best things to do in White Sands National Park, from sledding down sand dunes, to hiking and more! White Sands is an incredible place to visit in Southern New Mexico.\"\n};\n\nvar makeShortcode = function makeShortcode(name) {\n  return function MDXDefaultShortcode(props) {\n    console.warn(\"Component \" + name + \" was not imported, exported, or provided by MDXProvider as global scope\");\n    return mdx(\"div\", props);\n  };\n};\n\nvar TOC = makeShortcode(\"TOC\");\nvar layoutProps = {\n  _frontmatter: _frontmatter\n};\nvar MDXLayout = \"wrapper\";\nreturn function MDXContent(_ref) {\n  var components = _ref.components,\n      props = _objectWithoutProperties(_ref, _excluded);\n\n  return mdx(MDXLayout, _extends({}, layoutProps, props, {\n    components: components,\n    mdxType: \"MDXLayout\"\n  }), mdx(\"p\", null, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"https://www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"White Sands National Park\"), \" is a magical place in the southwest corner of New Mexico. The park comprises 275 square miles of pure white dunes formed by mountains still visible in the distance.\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"The sand here is gypsum sand, an evaporative mineral that is commonly used as a binding agent in things like drywall and toothpaste. White Sands is the largest gypsum dunefield in the world. There are a variety of activities in the park; enjoy hiking, sledding and camping in this unique corner of the Southwest USA.\"), mdx(\"blockquote\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"p\", {\n    parentName: \"blockquote\"\n  }, \"Please make it a priority to Leave No Trace when exploring the outdoors. This includes leaving nothing behind, respecting wildlife, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting those around you, planning ahead and traveling on durable surfaces. For more details, read about the seven principles at \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"https://lnt.org/\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"lnt.org\"), \".\")), mdx(\"br\", null), mdx(TOC, {\n    mdxType: \"TOC\"\n  }), mdx(\"br\", null), mdx(\"h2\", {\n    \"id\": \"things-to-know-about-visiting-white-sands\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h2\",\n    \"href\": \"#things-to-know-about-visiting-white-sands\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"things to know about visiting white sands permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Things To Know About Visiting White Sands\"), mdx(\"p\", null, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-wrapper\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"display\": \"block\",\n      \"marginLeft\": \"auto\",\n      \"marginRight\": \"auto\",\n      \"maxWidth\": \"832px\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-background-image\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"paddingBottom\": \"66.82692307692307%\",\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"bottom\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\",\n      \"backgroundImage\": \"url('data:image/jpeg;base64,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')\",\n      \"backgroundSize\": \"cover\",\n      \"display\": \"block\"\n    }\n  }), mdx(\"img\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-image\",\n    \"alt\": \"An expansive view of sand dunes with blue mountains in the distance. There are a few footsteps in the sand nearby.\",\n    \"title\": \"An expansive view of sand dunes with blue mountains in the distance. There are a few footsteps in the sand nearby.\",\n    \"src\": \"/static/7419b5d7923498b13fcf44e082f57768/c2601/whitesands.jpg\",\n    \"srcSet\": [\"/static/7419b5d7923498b13fcf44e082f57768/5e8f5/whitesands.jpg 208w\", \"/static/7419b5d7923498b13fcf44e082f57768/8d0ef/whitesands.jpg 416w\", \"/static/7419b5d7923498b13fcf44e082f57768/c2601/whitesands.jpg 832w\", \"/static/7419b5d7923498b13fcf44e082f57768/9a8cd/whitesands.jpg 1248w\", \"/static/7419b5d7923498b13fcf44e082f57768/25339/whitesands.jpg 1664w\", \"/static/7419b5d7923498b13fcf44e082f57768/af66d/whitesands.jpg 5666w\"],\n    \"sizes\": \"(max-width: 832px) 100vw, 832px\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"width\": \"100%\",\n      \"height\": \"100%\",\n      \"margin\": \"0\",\n      \"verticalAlign\": \"middle\",\n      \"position\": \"absolute\",\n      \"top\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\"\n    },\n    \"loading\": \"lazy\",\n    \"decoding\": \"async\"\n  }))), mdx(\"ul\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"White Sands is surrounded by a military base that often conducts missile testing. When they are conducting tests, the park closes. They typically let the park staff know two weeks in advance of tests, but closures can also be announced just 24 hours in advance. It is important to check for closures before visiting, you can find the status on the National Park website or their Facebook page.\")), mdx(\"ul\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"The visitor\\u2019s center is the only location in the park with running water. Make sure you fill up on water before you enter the gate as there is little shade throughout the park.\")), mdx(\"ul\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"Entry to White Sands National Park costs $25 per vehicle (the cost includes entry for seven days) or entry is included with the \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"li\",\n    \"href\": \"https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-734e25f82503&website_id=1e3d97cc-28f8-45ff-882b-b703ad48859c&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F234584%2Famerica-the-beautiful-pass-20242025\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"America the Beautiful national park pass\"), \". I highly recommend purchasing the America the Beautiful pass if you\\u2019ll be visiting multiple national parks within the year. The pass costs $80 a year so it can pay for itself quickly!\")), mdx(\"ul\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"There are often high winds at White Sands, which can cause dust storms. The windy season is between February and May. Do not hike during a windstorm and never rely on your footprints to make it back to your car.\")), mdx(\"ul\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"You might see tall metal poles as you walk out into the dunes. These are part of a study by Texas A&M to understand the movement of the dunes using LiDAR and weather stations. Be sure not to touch them.\")), mdx(\"ul\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"The White Sands are a complex and diverse ecosystem. They are home to a delicate balance of plants and animals, and in recent years there has been an increase in visitor traffic. Please \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"li\",\n    \"href\": \"https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"leave no trace\"), \" during your visit by packing out all trash and leaving as little impact as possible to preserve this incredible place. Unfortunately, I saw a lot of trash while exploring the dunes.\")), mdx(\"h2\", {\n    \"id\": \"how-much-time-should-you-spend-at-white-sands\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h2\",\n    \"href\": \"#how-much-time-should-you-spend-at-white-sands\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"how much time should you spend at white sands permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"How Much Time Should You Spend at White Sands?\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"This is a relatively small park, so I think one day in White Sands is the perfect amount of time! Spend one day in White Sands by enjoying a hiking trail or two, sledding down the dunes and catching a sunset.\"), mdx(\"h2\", {\n    \"id\": \"the-best-things-to-do-in-white-sands-national-park\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h2\",\n    \"href\": \"#the-best-things-to-do-in-white-sands-national-park\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"the best things to do in white sands national park permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"The Best Things To Do in White Sands National Park\"), mdx(\"p\", null, mdx(\"em\", {\n    parentName: \"p\"\n  }, \"Plan your perfect White Sands National Park itinerary with these top things to do!\")), mdx(\"div\", {\n    className: \"side-by-side\"\n  }, mdx(\"p\", null, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-wrapper\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"display\": \"block\",\n      \"marginLeft\": \"auto\",\n      \"marginRight\": \"auto\",\n      \"maxWidth\": \"832px\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-background-image\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"paddingBottom\": \"133.1730769230769%\",\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"bottom\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\",\n      \"backgroundImage\": \"url('data:image/jpeg;base64,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')\",\n      \"backgroundSize\": \"cover\",\n      \"display\": \"block\"\n    }\n  }), mdx(\"img\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-image\",\n    \"alt\": \"Looking up at a sand dune hill. The wind has created a curved pattern in the sand.\",\n    \"title\": \"Looking up at a sand dune hill. The wind has created a curved pattern in the sand.\",\n    \"src\": \"/static/4a240b39e9c57cb4e144a8281dbd6b9f/c2601/closeup.jpg\",\n    \"srcSet\": [\"/static/4a240b39e9c57cb4e144a8281dbd6b9f/5e8f5/closeup.jpg 208w\", \"/static/4a240b39e9c57cb4e144a8281dbd6b9f/8d0ef/closeup.jpg 416w\", \"/static/4a240b39e9c57cb4e144a8281dbd6b9f/c2601/closeup.jpg 832w\", \"/static/4a240b39e9c57cb4e144a8281dbd6b9f/9a8cd/closeup.jpg 1248w\", \"/static/4a240b39e9c57cb4e144a8281dbd6b9f/25339/closeup.jpg 1664w\", \"/static/4a240b39e9c57cb4e144a8281dbd6b9f/9568a/closeup.jpg 3024w\"],\n    \"sizes\": \"(max-width: 832px) 100vw, 832px\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"width\": \"100%\",\n      \"height\": \"100%\",\n      \"margin\": \"0\",\n      \"verticalAlign\": \"middle\",\n      \"position\": \"absolute\",\n      \"top\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\"\n    },\n    \"loading\": \"lazy\",\n    \"decoding\": \"async\"\n  }))), mdx(\"p\", null, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-wrapper\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"display\": \"block\",\n      \"marginLeft\": \"auto\",\n      \"marginRight\": \"auto\",\n      \"maxWidth\": \"832px\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-background-image\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"paddingBottom\": \"133.1730769230769%\",\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"bottom\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\",\n      \"backgroundImage\": \"url('data:image/jpeg;base64,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')\",\n      \"backgroundSize\": \"cover\",\n      \"display\": \"block\"\n    }\n  }), mdx(\"img\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-image\",\n    \"alt\": \"Lydia standing on a sand dune in White Sands wearing a black dress.\",\n    \"title\": \"Lydia standing on a sand dune in White Sands wearing a black dress.\",\n    \"src\": \"/static/dc94afeeab1cf6d1b6c7a4aedd62f521/c2601/whitesandssky2.jpg\",\n    \"srcSet\": [\"/static/dc94afeeab1cf6d1b6c7a4aedd62f521/5e8f5/whitesandssky2.jpg 208w\", \"/static/dc94afeeab1cf6d1b6c7a4aedd62f521/8d0ef/whitesandssky2.jpg 416w\", \"/static/dc94afeeab1cf6d1b6c7a4aedd62f521/c2601/whitesandssky2.jpg 832w\", \"/static/dc94afeeab1cf6d1b6c7a4aedd62f521/9a8cd/whitesandssky2.jpg 1248w\", \"/static/dc94afeeab1cf6d1b6c7a4aedd62f521/25339/whitesandssky2.jpg 1664w\", \"/static/dc94afeeab1cf6d1b6c7a4aedd62f521/93719/whitesandssky2.jpg 4000w\"],\n    \"sizes\": \"(max-width: 832px) 100vw, 832px\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"width\": \"100%\",\n      \"height\": \"100%\",\n      \"margin\": \"0\",\n      \"verticalAlign\": \"middle\",\n      \"position\": \"absolute\",\n      \"top\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\"\n    },\n    \"loading\": \"lazy\",\n    \"decoding\": \"async\"\n  })))), mdx(\"h3\", {\n    \"id\": \"arrive-at-the-white-sands-visitor-center\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h3\",\n    \"href\": \"#arrive-at-the-white-sands-visitor-center\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"arrive at the white sands visitor center permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Arrive at the White Sands Visitor Center\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"The visitor center at White Sands is a great place to start your trip. There is an exhibit on the natural ecosystem of the park but it was closed when I visited due to Covid-19. It\\u2019s still worth the stop though , you can talk with a ranger, purchase sleds, gifts or drinks, use the restroom and fill up water. If you don\\u2019t need a sled, water or information, you can drive directly to the gate to pay the fee and enter.\"), mdx(\"h3\", {\n    \"id\": \"sledding-at-white-sands\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h3\",\n    \"href\": \"#sledding-at-white-sands\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"sledding at white sands permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Sledding at White Sands\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"Sledding down the tall dunes of white sand is really fun! Any flat bottom snow sled should do. You can bring your own or purchase one behind the visitor center. If you purchase there, the sleds cost $20 new and can be returned for $4.\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"You can only return the sled while the visitor center is open but have a week to return it. The shop also sells wax that you apply to your sled, but I did not feel like it added much to the speed.\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"After you acquire your sled, there are many dunes that you can sled down, either right off the road or by walking out into the dunes. There is plenty of room to spread out and find your own area. Make sure you find a very steep hill in order to go quickly; the east facing dunes are steeper!\"), mdx(\"blockquote\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"p\", {\n    parentName: \"blockquote\"\n  }, \"I visited in the late afternoon on a Sunday in April. I had great weather and the park wasn\\u2019t too crowded!\")), mdx(\"div\", {\n    className: \"side-by-side\"\n  }, mdx(\"p\", null, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-wrapper\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"display\": \"block\",\n      \"marginLeft\": \"auto\",\n      \"marginRight\": \"auto\",\n      \"maxWidth\": \"832px\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-background-image\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"paddingBottom\": \"177.8846153846154%\",\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"bottom\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\",\n      \"backgroundImage\": \"url('data:image/jpeg;base64,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')\",\n      \"backgroundSize\": \"cover\",\n      \"display\": \"block\"\n    }\n  }), mdx(\"img\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-image\",\n    \"alt\": \"Lydia sledding down a hill of white sand in the distance.\",\n    \"title\": \"Lydia sledding down a hill of white sand in the distance.\",\n    \"src\": \"/static/584c4bc75fdb3d15901f589e17ce7976/c2601/sled.jpg\",\n    \"srcSet\": [\"/static/584c4bc75fdb3d15901f589e17ce7976/5e8f5/sled.jpg 208w\", \"/static/584c4bc75fdb3d15901f589e17ce7976/8d0ef/sled.jpg 416w\", \"/static/584c4bc75fdb3d15901f589e17ce7976/c2601/sled.jpg 832w\", \"/static/584c4bc75fdb3d15901f589e17ce7976/9a8cd/sled.jpg 1248w\", \"/static/584c4bc75fdb3d15901f589e17ce7976/25339/sled.jpg 1664w\", \"/static/584c4bc75fdb3d15901f589e17ce7976/9c9b2/sled.jpg 2268w\"],\n    \"sizes\": \"(max-width: 832px) 100vw, 832px\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"width\": \"100%\",\n      \"height\": \"100%\",\n      \"margin\": \"0\",\n      \"verticalAlign\": \"middle\",\n      \"position\": \"absolute\",\n      \"top\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\"\n    },\n    \"loading\": \"lazy\",\n    \"decoding\": \"async\"\n  }))), mdx(\"p\", null, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-wrapper\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"display\": \"block\",\n      \"marginLeft\": \"auto\",\n      \"marginRight\": \"auto\",\n      \"maxWidth\": \"832px\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-background-image\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"paddingBottom\": \"177.8846153846154%\",\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"bottom\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\",\n      \"backgroundImage\": \"url('data:image/jpeg;base64,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')\",\n      \"backgroundSize\": \"cover\",\n      \"display\": \"block\"\n    }\n  }), mdx(\"img\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-image\",\n    \"alt\": \"A close up of Lydia having fallen off a sled in White Sands. Her foot is buried in sand.\",\n    \"title\": \"A close up of Lydia having fallen off a sled in White Sands. Her foot is buried in sand.\",\n    \"src\": \"/static/e84294b042a5868f478fd634d9750563/c2601/sledding.jpg\",\n    \"srcSet\": [\"/static/e84294b042a5868f478fd634d9750563/5e8f5/sledding.jpg 208w\", \"/static/e84294b042a5868f478fd634d9750563/8d0ef/sledding.jpg 416w\", \"/static/e84294b042a5868f478fd634d9750563/c2601/sledding.jpg 832w\", \"/static/e84294b042a5868f478fd634d9750563/9a8cd/sledding.jpg 1248w\", \"/static/e84294b042a5868f478fd634d9750563/25339/sledding.jpg 1664w\", \"/static/e84294b042a5868f478fd634d9750563/9c9b2/sledding.jpg 2268w\"],\n    \"sizes\": \"(max-width: 832px) 100vw, 832px\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"width\": \"100%\",\n      \"height\": \"100%\",\n      \"margin\": \"0\",\n      \"verticalAlign\": \"middle\",\n      \"position\": \"absolute\",\n      \"top\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\"\n    },\n    \"loading\": \"lazy\",\n    \"decoding\": \"async\"\n  }))), mdx(\"figcaption\", null, \"Sledding at White Sands\")), mdx(\"h3\", {\n    \"id\": \"take-a-scenic-drive-through-white-sands\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h3\",\n    \"href\": \"#take-a-scenic-drive-through-white-sands\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"take a scenic drive through white sands permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Take a Scenic Drive through White Sands\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"To explore the park, you\\u2019ll drive down Dunes Drive. This scenic drive is an 8 mile road through the park with incredible views. As you drive, you\\u2019ll enjoy the expansive beauty of the dunes, plant life and mountains in the distance.\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"Close to the entrance, you\\u2019ll see a variety of plant life in the sand. But the further you drive, the more untouched white sand you will see. It becomes pure white sand piles surrounding you for miles and is truly magical. After 5 miles, the pavement turns to hard packed sand. Any car can make the drive.\"), mdx(\"h3\", {\n    \"id\": \"white-sands-hiking\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h3\",\n    \"href\": \"#white-sands-hiking\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"white sands hiking permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"White Sands Hiking\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"There are \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/trails.htm\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"five established trails\"), \" in the park of varying difficulties.\"), mdx(\"ul\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"\\n    \", mdx(\"p\", {\n    parentName: \"li\"\n  }, \"Interdune Boardwalk Trail - A 0.4 mile wheelchair accessible trail on a boardwalk that is great for seeing plants and wildlife.\"), \"\\n  \"), \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"\\n    \", mdx(\"p\", {\n    parentName: \"li\"\n  }, \"Playa Trail - An easy 0.5 mile trail with outdoor exhibits along the way.\"), \"\\n  \"), \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"\\n    \", mdx(\"p\", {\n    parentName: \"li\"\n  }, \"Dune Life Nature Trail - A 1 mile loop hike that goes over 2 steep dunes.\"), \"\\n  \"), \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"\\n    \", mdx(\"p\", {\n    parentName: \"li\"\n  }, \"Backcountry Camping Trail - A 2 mile trail that is most used by overnight campers.\"), \"\\n  \"), \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, \"\\n    \", mdx(\"p\", {\n    parentName: \"li\"\n  }, \"Alkali Flat Trail - The hardest hike in the park, a 5 mile trail that goes around the edge of what was Lake Otero. It goes up and down dunes the entire trail.\"), \"\\n  \")), mdx(\"h3\", {\n    \"id\": \"watch-the-sunset-or-sunrise-at-white-sands\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h3\",\n    \"href\": \"#watch-the-sunset-or-sunrise-at-white-sands\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"watch the sunset or sunrise at white sands permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Watch the Sunset or Sunrise at White Sands\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"The sunrise and sunset are stunning at White Sands. The pure white sands reflect the colors of the sky making a beautiful sight to behold. A Sunset Stroll with a ranger is offered daily, starting an hour before sunset. The walk is about 1 mile and you\\u2019ll learn about the parks\\u2019 ecosystem on the way.\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"Keep in mind that the park may open after sunrise or close before sunset during certain times of year. Check the hours before you go.\"), mdx(\"h3\", {\n    \"id\": \"fly-a-kite-bring-a-picnic-throw-a-football\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h3\",\n    \"href\": \"#fly-a-kite-bring-a-picnic-throw-a-football\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"fly a kite bring a picnic throw a football permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Fly a Kite, Bring a Picnic, Throw a Football\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"White Sands is the perfect place to bring a picnic and some activities to relax and hang out for a few hours or a whole day. Along with your sled, it\\u2019s great to bring a kite to fly or a football to toss around. There are plenty of opportunities to carve out your own space to hang out among the dunes. Just be sure to keep track of all of your trash (especially in high winds) and do not leave anything behind.\"), mdx(\"h3\", {\n    \"id\": \"white-sands-national-park-camping\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h3\",\n    \"href\": \"#white-sands-national-park-camping\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"white sands national park camping permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"White Sands National Park Camping\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"There are no RV hookups in White Sands, but backcountry camping out in the dunes is normally available. Currently, camping is not allowed as a result of Covid-19. When it opens back up, note that the backcountry campsites are a mile hike out into the dunes and you must be entirely self contained.\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"If you are looking for somewhere to stay outside of White Sands, the nearby town of Alamogordo has a range of accommodation options right outside the park. Further outside the park, the town of Las Cruces is a wonderful place to stay.\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"For campgrounds and RV parks near the park, look at \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/oliverleestatepark.html\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"Oliver Lee State Park\"), \", \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"https://www.blm.gov/visit/aguirre-spring-campground\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"Aguirre Springs Recreation Area\"), \" and \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"https://www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln/.\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"Lincoln National Forest\"), \".\"), mdx(\"h2\", {\n    \"id\": \"nearby-white-sands\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h2\",\n    \"href\": \"#nearby-white-sands\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"nearby white sands permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Nearby White Sands\"), mdx(\"p\", null, mdx(\"em\", {\n    parentName: \"p\"\n  }, \"Here are a few areas to visit near White Sands National Park if time allows.\")), mdx(\"p\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"figure\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-figure\",\n    \"style\": {}\n  }, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"figure\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-wrapper\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"display\": \"block\",\n      \"marginLeft\": \"auto\",\n      \"marginRight\": \"auto\",\n      \"maxWidth\": \"832px\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"span\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-background-image\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"paddingBottom\": \"66.82692307692307%\",\n      \"position\": \"relative\",\n      \"bottom\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\",\n      \"backgroundImage\": \"url('data:image/jpeg;base64,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')\",\n      \"backgroundSize\": \"cover\",\n      \"display\": \"block\"\n    }\n  }), mdx(\"img\", {\n    parentName: \"span\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-image\",\n    \"alt\": \"A beautiful sunsest with the silhouette of a church of in front of it.\",\n    \"title\": \"Old Mesilla Square\",\n    \"src\": \"/static/5ea45492ea16bcc22c60d0129630b788/c2601/lascruces.jpg\",\n    \"srcSet\": [\"/static/5ea45492ea16bcc22c60d0129630b788/5e8f5/lascruces.jpg 208w\", \"/static/5ea45492ea16bcc22c60d0129630b788/8d0ef/lascruces.jpg 416w\", \"/static/5ea45492ea16bcc22c60d0129630b788/c2601/lascruces.jpg 832w\", \"/static/5ea45492ea16bcc22c60d0129630b788/9a8cd/lascruces.jpg 1248w\", \"/static/5ea45492ea16bcc22c60d0129630b788/25339/lascruces.jpg 1664w\", \"/static/5ea45492ea16bcc22c60d0129630b788/857b3/lascruces.jpg 6000w\"],\n    \"sizes\": \"(max-width: 832px) 100vw, 832px\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"width\": \"100%\",\n      \"height\": \"100%\",\n      \"margin\": \"0\",\n      \"verticalAlign\": \"middle\",\n      \"position\": \"absolute\",\n      \"top\": \"0\",\n      \"left\": \"0\"\n    },\n    \"loading\": \"lazy\",\n    \"decoding\": \"async\"\n  })), \"\\n    \", mdx(\"figcaption\", {\n    parentName: \"figure\",\n    \"className\": \"gatsby-resp-image-figcaption\"\n  }, \"Old Mesilla Square\"), \"\\n  \"), \"\\n\"), mdx(\"h3\", {\n    \"id\": \"visit-las-cruces\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h3\",\n    \"href\": \"#visit-las-cruces\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"visit las cruces permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Visit Las Cruces\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"Las Cruces is a beautiful and historic New Mexico town about an hour from White Sands. It\\u2019s a great place to visit after White Sands for food, frozen custard or other activities.\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"Be sure to visit the Old Mesilla square, a beautiful park surrounded by a beautiful old church and several great businesses. On the square, you can visit the \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"https://lascruces.com/chasing-billy-the-kid/\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"Billy the Kid Gift Shop\"), \", located inside of an Old Courthouse, and shop for souvenirs.\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"To eat and drink at the square, visit \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"https://www.lapostademesilla.com/\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"La Posta de Mesilla\"), \" for delicious Mexican food in a beautiful ambience and \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"http://www.doubleeagleonline.com/\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"Double Eagle\"), \" for a steakhouse. Double Eagle is also a great place for just a drink, it is known for being haunted!\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"Another great place to eat nearby is \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"https://www.andelerestaurante.com/\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"Andele\"), \". Andele is a huge restaurant and runs a very smooth curbside pickup. From Andele, I tried the chile relleno and cheese enchiladas. They were delicious and full of flavor!\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"Not far from Old Mesilla Square, \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"https://www.caliches.com/\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"Caliche\\u2019s\"), \" is the perfect place for dessert. Caliche\\u2019s has been open for 25 years and has retro vibes with neon signs. They serve a variety of options of sundaes, milkshakes, custard and more. I got the strawberry shortcake caliche and it was so creamy and delicious. It had a very long line so be sure to allow some extra time, but it\\u2019s worth the wait.\"), mdx(\"h3\", {\n    \"id\": \"lincoln-national-forest\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h3\",\n    \"href\": \"#lincoln-national-forest\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"lincoln national forest permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Lincoln National Forest\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"If you drive between Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands, you\\u2019ll experience the scenic drive through \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"https://www.fs.usda.gov/lincoln/.\",\n    \"target\": \"_blank\",\n    \"rel\": \"noopener\"\n  }, \"Lincoln National Forest\"), \" Lincoln is a wonderful place to camp and hike in the summer or ski in the winter. Inside the forest, you can also visit the small town of Cloudcroft. The town is 110 years old and has a variety of shops along with a history museum.\"), mdx(\"h2\", {\n    \"id\": \"final-thoughts\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h2\",\n    \"href\": \"#final-thoughts\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"final thoughts permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Final Thoughts\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"White Sands National Park is not only beautiful, but it has opporunties for fun for the whole family. Whether you spend an afternoon sledding and enjoying a picnic, or you're on a photography mission at sunrise, this park needs to be on your list.\"), mdx(\"h2\", {\n    \"id\": \"take-a-road-trip-to-nearby-parks\",\n    \"style\": {\n      \"position\": \"relative\"\n    }\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"h2\",\n    \"href\": \"#take-a-road-trip-to-nearby-parks\",\n    \"aria-label\": \"take a road trip to nearby parks permalink\",\n    \"className\": \"anchor before\"\n  }, mdx(\"svg\", {\n    parentName: \"a\",\n    \"aria-hidden\": \"true\",\n    \"height\": \"28\",\n    \"version\": \"1.1\",\n    \"viewBox\": \"0 0 16 16\",\n    \"width\": \"20\"\n  }, \"\\n      \", mdx(\"path\", {\n    parentName: \"svg\",\n    \"fillRule\": \"evenodd\",\n    \"d\": \"M4 9h1v1H4c-1.5 0-3-1.69-3-3.5S2.55 3 4 3h4c1.45 0 3 1.69 3 3.5 0 1.41-.91 2.72-2 3.25V8.59c.58-.45 1-1.27 1-2.09C10 5.22 8.98 4 8 4H4c-.98 0-2 1.22-2 2.5S3 9 4 9zm9-3h-1v1h1c1 0 2 1.22 2 2.5S13.98 12 13 12H9c-.98 0-2-1.22-2-2.5 0-.83.42-1.64 1-2.09V6.25c-1.09.53-2 1.84-2 3.25C6 11.31 7.55 13 9 13h4c1.45 0 3-1.69 3-3.5S14.5 6 13 6z\"\n  }), \"\\n    \")), \"Take a Road Trip to Nearby Parks\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"I highly recommend combining your trip to White Sands with a visit to Carlsbad Caverns (3 hours away) and Guadalupe Mountains (3.5 hours away). If you have more time, you can also visit Big Bend National Park on this road trip.\"), mdx(\"p\", null, \"Read my \", mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"p\",\n    \"href\": \"/destinations/usa/tx/West-Texas-New-Mexico-Road-Trip-Itinerary/\"\n  }, \"12 day itinerary for the New Mexico and Texas national parks\"), \" to plan your trip!\"), mdx(\"p\", null, mdx(\"strong\", {\n    parentName: \"p\"\n  }, \"For More National Park Guides, check out these blogs:\")), mdx(\"ul\", null, \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"li\",\n    \"href\": \"/destinations/usa/ca/Joshua-Tree-Itinerary/\"\n  }, \"How to Spend 2 Days in Joshua Tree\")), \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"li\",\n    \"href\": \"/destinations/usa/ut/Mighty-5-Road-Trip/\"\n  }, \"The Ultimate Utah Mighty 5 Road Trip\")), \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"li\",\n    \"href\": \"/destinations/usa/co/Rocky-Mountain-National-Park-Itinerary/\"\n  }, \"How to Spend 2 Days at Rocky Mountain National Park\")), \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"li\",\n    \"href\": \"/destinations/usa/me/Acadia-National-Park-Fall/\"\n  }, \"A Guide to Visiting Acadia National Park in the Fall\")), \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"li\",\n    \"href\": \"/destinations/usa/wy/3-Days-in-Yellowstone-Itinerary/\"\n  }, \"How to Spend 3 Days in Yellowstone\")), \"\\n  \", mdx(\"li\", {\n    parentName: \"ul\"\n  }, mdx(\"a\", {\n    parentName: \"li\",\n    \"href\": \"/destinations/usa/ar/Things-to-do-in-Hot-Springs-National-Park-AR/\"\n  }, \"The Best Things To Do in Hot Springs, AR\"))), mdx(\"p\", null, mdx(\"strong\", {\n    parentName: \"p\"\n  }, \"Thanks for Reading!\")));\n}\n;\nMDXContent.isMDXComponent = true;","tableOfContents":{"items":[{"url":"#things-to-know-about-visiting-white-sands","title":"Things To Know About Visiting White Sands"},{"url":"#how-much-time-should-you-spend-at-white-sands","title":"How Much Time Should You Spend at White Sands?"},{"url":"#the-best-things-to-do-in-white-sands-national-park","title":"The Best Things To Do in White Sands National Park","items":[{"url":"#arrive-at-the-white-sands-visitor-center","title":"Arrive at the White Sands Visitor Center"},{"url":"#sledding-at-white-sands","title":"Sledding at White Sands"},{"url":"#take-a-scenic-drive-through-white-sands","title":"Take a Scenic Drive through White Sands"},{"url":"#white-sands-hiking","title":"White Sands Hiking"},{"url":"#watch-the-sunset-or-sunrise-at-white-sands","title":"Watch the Sunset or Sunrise at White Sands"},{"url":"#fly-a-kite-bring-a-picnic-throw-a-football","title":"Fly a Kite, Bring a Picnic, Throw a Football"},{"url":"#white-sands-national-park-camping","title":"White Sands National Park Camping"}]},{"url":"#nearby-white-sands","title":"Nearby White Sands","items":[{"url":"#visit-las-cruces","title":"Visit Las Cruces"},{"url":"#lincoln-national-forest","title":"Lincoln National Forest"}]},{"url":"#final-thoughts","title":"Final Thoughts"},{"url":"#take-a-road-trip-to-nearby-parks","title":"Take a Road Trip to Nearby Parks"}]},"frontmatter":{"date":null,"title":"The Best Things To Do in White Sands National Park: Visit One of the Most Unique National Parks","toc":null,"categories":"USA NM","tags":["US National Parks"],"affiliate":true,"ads":null,"pinDescription":null,"description":"Read about the best things to do in White Sands National Park, from sledding down sand dunes, to hiking and more! White Sands is an incredible place to visit in Southern New Mexico.","banner":{"publicURL":"/static/8dd7bd012a8878094778d25e5570e9d0/meonsand.jpg","childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5,"src":"/static/8dd7bd012a8878094778d25e5570e9d0/74fd5/meonsand.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8dd7bd012a8878094778d25e5570e9d0/e3903/meonsand.jpg 480w,\n/static/8dd7bd012a8878094778d25e5570e9d0/b31d1/meonsand.jpg 960w,\n/static/8dd7bd012a8878094778d25e5570e9d0/74fd5/meonsand.jpg 1920w,\n/static/8dd7bd012a8878094778d25e5570e9d0/c1679/meonsand.jpg 2880w,\n/static/8dd7bd012a8878094778d25e5570e9d0/549be/meonsand.jpg 3840w,\n/static/8dd7bd012a8878094778d25e5570e9d0/30a63/meonsand.jpg 6000w","sizes":"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"}}},"pins":[{"id":"3313a9c9-fdff-5292-9340-11d6ea5c0c0a","publicURL":"/static/e9404bfc9789f2609f4c7c3caf365cfa/whitesandspins-01.png","childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#d8d8d8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/e9404bfc9789f2609f4c7c3caf365cfa/d8ea1/whitesandspins-01.png","srcSet":"/static/e9404bfc9789f2609f4c7c3caf365cfa/a7259/whitesandspins-01.png 125w,\n/static/e9404bfc9789f2609f4c7c3caf365cfa/24881/whitesandspins-01.png 250w,\n/static/e9404bfc9789f2609f4c7c3caf365cfa/d8ea1/whitesandspins-01.png 500w","sizes":"(min-width: 500px) 500px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/e9404bfc9789f2609f4c7c3caf365cfa/c6f16/whitesandspins-01.webp 125w,\n/static/e9404bfc9789f2609f4c7c3caf365cfa/1c893/whitesandspins-01.webp 250w,\n/static/e9404bfc9789f2609f4c7c3caf365cfa/316df/whitesandspins-01.webp 500w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 500px) 500px, 100vw"}]},"width":1000,"height":1500}}},{"id":"c905ddc4-85c1-5c7a-88f0-08cb3d27b5ce","publicURL":"/static/2a7d0da930510f2d63cd257fbc229ba9/whitesandspins-02.png","childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#c8c8c8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/2a7d0da930510f2d63cd257fbc229ba9/bcfef/whitesandspins-02.png","srcSet":"/static/2a7d0da930510f2d63cd257fbc229ba9/a7259/whitesandspins-02.png 125w,\n/static/2a7d0da930510f2d63cd257fbc229ba9/dfe80/whitesandspins-02.png 251w,\n/static/2a7d0da930510f2d63cd257fbc229ba9/bcfef/whitesandspins-02.png 501w","sizes":"(min-width: 501px) 501px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/2a7d0da930510f2d63cd257fbc229ba9/c6f16/whitesandspins-02.webp 125w,\n/static/2a7d0da930510f2d63cd257fbc229ba9/694c6/whitesandspins-02.webp 251w,\n/static/2a7d0da930510f2d63cd257fbc229ba9/55519/whitesandspins-02.webp 501w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 501px) 501px, 100vw"}]},"width":1000,"height":1500.998003992016}}},{"id":"ca0be7db-7364-50e1-9d52-6a74cb553157","publicURL":"/static/bdcbcac8b114fc8e0dccd86feb502e04/whitesandspins-03.png","childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#f8f8f8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/bdcbcac8b114fc8e0dccd86feb502e04/bcfef/whitesandspins-03.png","srcSet":"/static/bdcbcac8b114fc8e0dccd86feb502e04/a7259/whitesandspins-03.png 125w,\n/static/bdcbcac8b114fc8e0dccd86feb502e04/dfe80/whitesandspins-03.png 251w,\n/static/bdcbcac8b114fc8e0dccd86feb502e04/bcfef/whitesandspins-03.png 501w","sizes":"(min-width: 501px) 501px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/bdcbcac8b114fc8e0dccd86feb502e04/c6f16/whitesandspins-03.webp 125w,\n/static/bdcbcac8b114fc8e0dccd86feb502e04/694c6/whitesandspins-03.webp 251w,\n/static/bdcbcac8b114fc8e0dccd86feb502e04/55519/whitesandspins-03.webp 501w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 501px) 501px, 100vw"}]},"width":1000,"height":1500.998003992016}}}],"related":[{"frontmatter":{"title":"Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Hiking Trails & Tips for Visiting","banner":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#6898d8","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/ce601594284bb06688fd1e2ede507aef/0132d/elcapitan.jpg","srcSet":"/static/ce601594284bb06688fd1e2ede507aef/b332f/elcapitan.jpg 100w,\n/static/ce601594284bb06688fd1e2ede507aef/d9f52/elcapitan.jpg 200w,\n/static/ce601594284bb06688fd1e2ede507aef/0132d/elcapitan.jpg 400w,\n/static/ce601594284bb06688fd1e2ede507aef/3b307/elcapitan.jpg 800w","sizes":"(min-width: 400px) 400px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/ce601594284bb06688fd1e2ede507aef/88d32/elcapitan.webp 100w,\n/static/ce601594284bb06688fd1e2ede507aef/b9488/elcapitan.webp 200w,\n/static/ce601594284bb06688fd1e2ede507aef/47294/elcapitan.webp 400w,\n/static/ce601594284bb06688fd1e2ede507aef/89c0d/elcapitan.webp 800w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 400px) 400px, 100vw"}]},"width":400,"height":267}}}},"fields":{"slug":"/destinations/usa/tx/Guadalupe-Mountains-Hiking/"},"id":"555c6393-b93e-54bb-9f50-2716f063132a"},{"frontmatter":{"title":"A Weekend Guide to Visiting Taos, New Mexico: Outdoor Adventure & Delicious Food","banner":{"childImageSharp":{"gatsbyImageData":{"layout":"constrained","backgroundColor":"#181818","images":{"fallback":{"src":"/static/13acfe4635b513687fb4d1ca360755bd/0132d/gorge.jpg","srcSet":"/static/13acfe4635b513687fb4d1ca360755bd/b332f/gorge.jpg 100w,\n/static/13acfe4635b513687fb4d1ca360755bd/d9f52/gorge.jpg 200w,\n/static/13acfe4635b513687fb4d1ca360755bd/0132d/gorge.jpg 400w,\n/static/13acfe4635b513687fb4d1ca360755bd/3b307/gorge.jpg 800w","sizes":"(min-width: 400px) 400px, 100vw"},"sources":[{"srcSet":"/static/13acfe4635b513687fb4d1ca360755bd/88d32/gorge.webp 100w,\n/static/13acfe4635b513687fb4d1ca360755bd/b9488/gorge.webp 200w,\n/static/13acfe4635b513687fb4d1ca360755bd/47294/gorge.webp 400w,\n/static/13acfe4635b513687fb4d1ca360755bd/89c0d/gorge.webp 800w","type":"image/webp","sizes":"(min-width: 400px) 400px, 100vw"}]},"width":400,"height":267}}}},"fields":{"slug":"/destinations/usa/nm/Visiting-Taos-New-Mexico/"},"id":"8ff76779-9f28-5208-9d8e-407bb1fa3e81"}]},"fields":{"slug":"/destinations/usa/nm/Best-Things-To-Do-in-White-Sands/","date":"2023-09-03"},"id":"878d06a7-2bb8-5e99-96d8-47377c3da2dc","excerpt":"White Sands National Park  is a magical place in the southwest corner of New Mexico. The park comprises 275 square miles of pure white dunes…"}},"pageContext":{"id":"878d06a7-2bb8-5e99-96d8-47377c3da2dc","next":{"fields":{"slug":"/destinations/iceland/Iceland-Winter-Itinerary/"},"frontmatter":{"title":"The Ultimate 5 Day Iceland Winter Itinerary: Golden Circle and South Coast"}},"previous":{"fields":{"slug":"/destinations/usa/pa/Best-Hiking-in-State-College/"},"frontmatter":{"title":"The Best Hiking in State College, PA (+ More Fun Things To Do!)"}}}},
    "staticQueryHashes": ["1271460761","3204285929","3324556263","3437645752","3841701197","988244103"]}