Is White Sands Backcountry Access (limited) open year-round?

Season: Year-round (afternoon missile-range closures occur — confirm before driving). Always verify current trail status with the managing agency before traveling.

What vehicles are allowed?

Allowed vehicle types: Jeep, Truck. Always confirm street-legal and OHV-registration requirements for your state.

NPS · National Park ServiceEasy (2/5)

White Sands Backcountry Access (limited)

Alamogordo, NM

Length

8 mi

Season

Year-round (afternoon missile-range closures occur — confirm before driving)

Day-use fee

$25

Permit

Required

Trail difficulty

Easy · 2/5

Rated on PickRV's editorial 1 (novice) to 5 (extreme) scale.

Vehicle types allowed

JeepTruck

Permit and access

Permit required

NPS White Sands NP entrance fee $25/vehicle; backcountry travel is restricted — only designated roads. OHVs prohibited inside park.

Known hazards

Soft gypsum sand
WSMR missile testing occasionally closes US-70 (route to park)
Heat

Editorial tip

OHVs and UTVs are NOT permitted inside the national park boundary. For UTV/ATV riding nearby, use the BLM dunes outside park boundaries — verify the area before launching.

— PickRV editorial team

Official managing-agency source

Trail conditions, permit rates, and seasonal closures change. Always verify the current state of this trail with the managing agency before you ride.

National Park Service page

https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/fees.htm

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Plan the trip

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Questions about White Sands Backcountry Access (limited)

Is White Sands Backcountry Access (limited) open year-round?: Season: Year-round (afternoon missile-range closures occur — confirm before driving). Always verify current trail status with the managing agency before traveling.
Do I need a permit to ride White Sands Backcountry Access (limited)?: Yes — NPS White Sands NP entrance fee $25/vehicle; backcountry travel is restricted — only designated roads. OHVs prohibited inside park.
What vehicles are allowed?: Allowed vehicle types: Jeep, Truck. Always confirm street-legal and OHV-registration requirements for your state.

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New Mexico rules · last verified 2026-05-10

Rental tax: 7.00%
Min driver age: 18+ std · 21+ Class A
Gravel roads: Allowed — no restriction
Generator quiet: 22:00-07:00