White Sands National Park Weekend Itinerary
White Sands National Park is a breathtaking destination, renowned for its stunning white sand dunes that stretch across 275 square miles. Located in southern New Mexico, this remarkable park is a must-see for any traveler. Our carefully planned itinerary allowed us to experience the very best the park has to offer, making for an unforgettable weekend. Our trip took place before my best friend embarked on an exciting new chapter abroad in New Zealand. Below is the perfect White Sands National Park Weekend Itinerary!
Book Your Flight
Book your flight to the nearest airport, which is El Paso International Airport (ELP).
Transportation:
After arriving at the airport, you’ll need to rent a car. We chose Alamo, which offered a convenient rental experience. To make it even easier, browse Discover Cars to select the perfect car for your trip, along with the dates you’ll need it. Just a heads-up: the rental area closes at midnight, so be sure to pick up your car before then to keep your plans on track.
Where to Stay?
Book 2-3 hotels for this itinerary. We opted to drive for the least amount of time!
- Hotel for nights 1 & 3: Stay near the ELP airport for convenience on nights one and three. Book the Wyndham El Paso Airport and Water Park, a comfortable option within walking distance to the airport. If you arrive earlier or have some free time, be sure to unwind by the hotel’s relaxing pool, the perfect spot to kick back and recharge before your adventure begins.
- Hotel for night 2: On Night two, we opted to stay at a mountainous town that is near white sands called Cloudcroft. We stayed at a really nice hostel; however, you can pick a hotel nearby. It is entirely up to you.
Find a Hotel at Booking.com:
Itinerary:
Day 1: Flight, Hotel, Pool
Arrive at the airport and pick up your rental car, then check into the comfortable Wyndham hotel conveniently located near the airport. If you have some extra time, unwind and soak up the sun by the hotel pool—perfect for relaxing and recharging before your adventure begins!
Day 2: Guadalupe, Carlsbad Caverns, & Cloudcroft-
Stop 1: Breakfast–
Enjoy the FREE breakfast and coffee at the Wyndham Hotel and then drive to the first National Park of the trip: Guadalupe Mountains. This is a one-hour and 41-minute drive.
Stop 2: Guadalupe Mountains National Park–
Embark on an adventure along the trails at Guadalupe! During our hike, we unexpectedly encountered a rattlesnake right near the entrance sign—talk about a heart-stopping moment. That encounter had us feeling pretty on edge for the rest of the hike, especially since there are no nearby hospitals. Naturally, we played it safe and chose the shortest trail. If you’re less squeamish about snakes, here’s a list of other hiking trails you might enjoy. But remember—always stay alert and cautious out there! Safety first, and happy hiking!
- Guadalupe Peak Trail: An 8.4-mile strenuous out-and-back hike to the highest point in Texas, offering rewarding views.
- Devil’s Hall Trail
- McKittrick Canyon Trail
- Salt Basin Dunes Trail
Then you will drive to Carlsbad Caverns, which is a 27-minute drive.
Stop 3: Carlsbad Caverns-
Carlsbad Caverns was one of the coolest national parks I have ever been to! The stunning natural wonder is renowned for its vast underground limestone caves and spectacular rock formations. The caves are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The park is home to a large colony of Mexican free-tailed bats. Every evening during the warmer months, visitors can witness the spectacular bat emergence as thousands of bats fly out of the caves at dusk. The hike from the top to the bottom of Carlsbad Cavern is on the Natural Entrance Trail.
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Bring a jacket or sweater, as the caves are cool year-round.
You will then drive from Carlsbad to Cloudcroft, which is a two hour and thirty minute drive.
Stop 4: Cloudcroft-
Your next stop is going out to dinner in Cloudcroft, a mountainous town near White Sands National Park. After dinner, check into a hotel nearby. We opted to save money on this night and stay at a hostel. We went to bed after dinner because we were exhausted.
Day 3: White Sands National Park, Cafe Rose
Stop 1: Breakfast-
Begin your day with cappuccinos in Cloudcroft town and then drive to White Sands National Park. This is a 42-minute drive.
Stop 2: White Sands National Park-
The landscape creates an otherworldly atmosphere. The sands are composed of gypsum crystals that have been eroded from the surrounding mountains and carried into the valley by water. Over time, these crystals accumulated into the towering dunes seen today. White Sands offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, picnicking, sledding on the dunes, and stargazing due to its clear night skies. We sled down the dunes and had the absolute best time. The landscape’s beauty is perfect for photographers and anyone interested in exploring one of Earth’s most extraordinary natural wonders. After going to White Sands, you will drive to Cafe Rose in El Paso Texas, which is a one-hour and 32-minute drive.
Stop 3: Cafe Rose in El Paso Texas-
Cafe Rose was an absolute dream for lunch! The entire space is beautifully decorated in every shade of pink, creating a fun and whimsical atmosphere from the moment you walk in. The menu features a variety of delicious drinks and food, all thoughtfully presented. I ordered the virgin piña colada, which was also perfectly pink—just like everything else! Every detail was flawless and made the experience feel truly magical. After going to the cafe, you will need to fill up on gas and return your rental car back at the airport, which is about only 15 to 20 minutes away!
Stop 4: Flight-
Fly home or go to a hotel near the airport for your last night.
We shared the perfect White Sands National Park weekend itinerary. What are you waiting for? Book your flight today to see NOT only White Sands National Park, but THREE national parks. Comment below if you have been to any of these epic places!