Is White Sands Open During Covid? Your Guide To Visiting Safely

“Why does White Sands National Park close at times? The park’s main access road, Dunes Drive, is a combination of pavement and hard-packed gypsum sand. It’s important to take into account the impact of inclement weather when you’re planning a visit, as this can affect road conditions. When weather conditions create safety concerns for visitors, the park may need to close temporarily to ensure everyone’s well-being. For example, on July 6th, 2023, the park closed due to adverse weather conditions.”

Is it safe to visit White Sands National Park? White Sands National Park boasts stunning dunes comprised primarily of gypsum, a soft mineral that is prone to erosion. Due to this geological characteristic, the dunes are continually shifting in shape, prompting concerns about visitor safety. To address these concerns, as of November 4, 2022, we can confidently affirm that White Sands National Park is indeed a safe destination for visitors.

White Sands Missile Range, established in 1945, gained historical significance as the location of the world’s first atomic bomb test. Over the past 75 years, this facility has played a pivotal role in advancing missile and rocket technology, overseeing an impressive 42,000 launches. Moreover, in recent years, White Sands has evolved to become a testing ground for cutting-edge railgun and laser weaponry by the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. As of July 18, 2023, it continues to serve as a crucial hub for military research and development.