into the dunes from the visitor center at the park entrance. Three picnic areas are available, as well as a backcountry campground with ten sites for overnight camping in the dunefield. Five marked trails totaling allow visitors to explore the dunes on foot. Ranger-guided orientation and nature walks occur at various times and months throughout the year. Sunset strolls are presented every evening of the year, while Lake Lucero hikes are offered once a month, from November to April, and full moon guided hikes from April to October, on the night before the full moon. The park participates in the Junior Ranger Program, with various age-group-specific activities. Both the park and U.S. Route 70 between Las Cruces and Alamogordo are subject to closure for safety reasons when tests are conducted at White Sands Missile Range which completely surrounds the park. Dunes Drive may be closed for periods of up to three hours during missile tests. Park staff is usually notified two weeks in advance of scheduled tests; however, notifications from White Sands Missile Range may be received as little as 24 hours in advance of a test. All activity, including horseback riding, backcountry camping, hiking, sledding, and driving on Dunes Drive is prohibited during all missile tests that require road closure. According to a National Park Service report, in 2020, visitors spent roughly $22.5 million in nearby communities with more than 360,000 more guests in 2021, nearby towns felt the boost. See also List of national parks of the United States National Register of Historic Places listings in Otero County, New Mexico Trinity Site – world's first nuclear weapon test, at White Sands Missile Range References External links – NPS.gov White Sands National Park – Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau Dunes of the United States Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in New Mexico Museums in Otero County, New Mexico National parks in New Mexico Natural history museums in New Mexico Protected areas established in 1933 Protected areas of Doña Ana County, New Mexico Protected areas of Otero County, New Mexico Tularosa Basin Tourist attractions in Alamogordo, New Mexico Works Progress Administration in New Mexico Landforms of New Mexico Landforms of Doña Ana County, New Mexico Landforms of Otero County, New Mexico National Register of Historic Places in Otero County, New Mexico National Register of Historic Places in Doña Ana County, New Mexico 1933 establishments in