"it's hot, it's cold: come prepared for it all" Top 5 Page for this destination White Sands National Monument Packing List Tip by richiecdisc

Luggage and bags: If you are going to backpack, please bring one. We saw one couple trying to lug suitcases out there and that couldn't have been much fun.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Nothing protects better from the elements than clothing and long sleeves and pants are recommended for any kind of extended time here. If walking in the dunes for an appreciable distance, you should wear proper hiking boots as ankles are easily twisted in the sand on steep inclines. If you don't have sunglasses, you'll wonder why immediately. A brimmed hat is another must. White is the word. Wear it. For early mornings and evenings you will be surprised at how cold it can be. For that you'll need some warm clothes. It's best to dress in layers as you'll be shedding them once the sun gets a bit higher in the sky. Don't forget a warm hat as well as one for the sun.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: A high factor sun block is essential.

Photo Equipment: A polarizer will help cut down on that washed out look to your photos. Tripod for low light situations and for taking group photos so you can be in them too.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: I'm sure the couple with suitcases didn't have a tent either and though you probably don't have to worry about rain, it does get cold in the desert at night and there are lots of creepy crawlies that might want to snuggle up in your sleeping back with you too! No use lugging even a small camping stove as with there is no water and you'd have to lug not only what you absolutely need to drink, you'd have to bring water to cook and clean with too.It should go without saying but anything you bring in, you should carry out. Please, leave no trace.

Miscellaneous: Fees to enter White Sands National Park are $3 per person and allows seven consecutive days entrance. We had an America The Beautiful Pass which costs $80 and is good for one year from first use. It allows an entire car of people to enter all US National Parks, Monuments, Historical Sites, and Federally Administered Lands. With us being on a six month trip around the US, it was well worth getting!