Unscheduled park closures for military tests at White Sands: what applies in 2026?

Exact conditions

Status

Not required; the stated access rule still applies

Applies to

all visitors

Place or corridor

Dunes Drive, the only road into the dunefield; sometimes also US Highway 70 between Alamogordo and Las Cruces

Effective dates

January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026

Release model

first come

Fee detail: The park publishes no refund or rain-check policy for an entrance pass bought on a day when Dunes Drive is later closed for a test. Entrance passes are valid 7 consecutive days, which in practice allows a return visit.

Exceptions and limits

• The park visitor center and gift shop remain open during military test closures.
• Closure dates are not fixed and are not published on an annual calendar; check the park's Military Testing Park Closures page the day before arrival.