Fort Collins to White Sands National Park

Updated: March 13, 2024 10:06 PM

---

Fort Collins to White Sands National Park

Distance: 520 miles
Driving time: Approximately 8 hours
Language: English
Currency: US Dollar (USD)

How to reach

The best way to reach White Sands National Park from Fort Collins is to drive. From downtown Fort Collins, take US-287 north to Laramie, Wyoming, then take I-80 west to Rawlins, Wyoming. From Rawlins, take US-285 south to White Sands National Park.
There are no direct flights between Fort Collins and White Sands National Park. The closest airport to the park is El Paso International Airport (ELP), which is about 100 miles away. From ELP, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to the park.

Expenses

The cost of your trip will vary depending on your travel style and the time of year you visit. However, here are some general estimates:
Gas: $100-$150
Hotel: $50-$150 per night
Food: $20-$50 per day
Activities: $0-$50 per day

Best time to go

The best time to visit White Sands National Park is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. The park is also open during the winter, but the weather can be cold and snowy.

What to eat

There are no restaurants inside White Sands National Park, so you will need to bring your own food or eat at one of the nearby towns. Some of the popular restaurants in the area include:
Alamogordo:
 • The White Sands Missile Range Museum Restaurant
 • The Rocket Shop Cafe
Las Cruces:
 • The Farm & Table
 • The Spotted Dog Cafe

Where to go

In addition to the white sands themselves, there are several other attractions in the area that you may want to visit, including:
Alamogordo:
 • The White Sands Missile Range Museum
 • The New Mexico Museum of Space History
Las Cruces:
 • The Museum of Nature & Science
 • The Branigan Cultural Center

FAQ

Is there a fee to enter White Sands National Park?
Yes, there is a $25 entrance fee per vehicle.
Can I camp in the park?
Yes, there are three campgrounds in the park. The camping fee is $10 per night.
Are dogs allowed in the park?
No, dogs are not allowed on the white sands. However, they are allowed in the developed areas of the park, such as the visitor center and campgrounds.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

Trips from Fort Collins

---

• 

  Fort Collins to Rocky Mountain National Park

  Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful and diverse park located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, includi..

• 

  Fort Collins to Bellvue

  The official language of both Fort Collins and Bellevue is English. The official currency of both Fort Collins and Bellevue is the US dollar ($). The dista..

• 

  Fort Collins to Wellington

  The official language of New Zealand is English. However, there are also two official indigenous languages, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language. The curre..

• 

  Fort Collins to Minot

  The official language of both Fort Collins and Minot is English. The official currency of both Fort Collins and Minot is the US dollar ($). The distance be..

• 

  Fort Collins to Burns

  ..

• 

  Fort Collins to Buena Vista

  The official language of Fort Collins and Buena Vista is English. The official currency of Fort Collins and Buena Vista is the US dollar ($). The distance ..

• 

  Fort Collins to Bear Lake

  The official language of the area is English. The official currency of the area is the US Dollar ($). The distance between Fort Collins and Bear Lake is ap..

• 

  Fort Collins to Yosemite National Park

  ..

• 

  Fort Collins to Riverton

  The official language of Riverton is English. The official currency of Riverton is the US dollar. The distance between Fort Collins and Riverton is approxi..

• 

  Fort Collins to Pocatello

  The official language of both Fort Collins and Pocatello is English. The currency used in both Fort Collins and Pocatello is the US dollar ($). The distanc..