Riding here
White Sands is one of the strangest rides in the park system. Dunes Drive runs eight miles into the dunefield: the first four are paved, then the road becomes hard-packed gypsum between towering white dunes. A mountain bike or wide-tire cruiser handles it best. Bikes must stay on the road, but the scenery comes right to the edge.
Where you can ride
Bikes may use park roads and parking areas open to motor vehicles.
Where you can't
Riding off-road, including on the dunes, is prohibited (a $50 fine plus a $30 processing fee).
Rides
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Dunes Drive
- Gravel
- 16 mi round trip (8 miles each way)
- 4 miles paved, 4 miles packed gypsum
- Easy
Out-and-back into the heart of the dunefield. The sand section has washboard, potholes and drifts; skinny road tires are not recommended.
Start: White Sands Visitor Center
When to go
Fall and spring. Summer is hot and reflects heat off the sand; heavy rain or snow can make the gypsum section slick or impassable.
Closures and restrictions
Dunes Drive and nearby US 70 can close for a few hours during White Sands Missile Range tests; check the park's closure schedule.
Safety
Ride single file on the right; blind curves and limited shoulders. Helmets highly recommended (New Mexico requires them for riders 17 and under). Bring at least two liters of water, snacks, sunscreen and sunglasses.
E-bikes
The park's own bicycling page doesn't spell out e-bike rules. Under the NPS e-bike rule (36 CFR 4.30), an e-bike with working pedals and a motor under 750 watts is generally allowed where regular bikes are, and riding on the motor alone is barred anywhere cars can't go. Parks can restrict them, so confirm with the park before you bring one.
Fees
Arriving by bike, you pay the park's individual (per-person) entrance fee, normally valid for 7 days, or ride in on an annual or America the Beautiful pass. Amounts change, so check the park's Fees & Passes page.
Rentals, tours and shuttles
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Your bike shop hereSample listing
This spot is for one rental shop, guide service or shuttle near White Sands: your name, what you offer, and a link straight to your booking page, at the top of this section.
Feature your shop on this page, free until spring 2027
Run a shop near White Sands? Add it here.
Sources
Checked November 2026 against these sources. Rules, closures and fees change; confirm with the park before you ride.
Edited by David Bussell. Spot something out of date? Tell us.