White Sands National Park preserves one of the greatest natural wonders on this planet, the gypsum dune field. Located in the U.S. state of New Mexico, the 275 miles (over 442 kilometers) of desert are covered with gypsum. The unique landscape of the White Sands National Park is breathtakingly beautiful.

Visit the largest gypsum dune field in the world, and marvel at its unique flora and fauna. If you are in search of a rare adventure in the heart of nature, you should visit White Sands National Park without a second thought. Come and experience desert life amidst the wave-like dunes. Before traveling, read this guide until the end so that you know all about what to do, what places to visit, and information about appropriate insurance coverage.

Purchasing a visitors medical insurance plan or travel insurance plan is crucial. It will fortify your wallet against potentially expensive accidents, illnesses, injuries, or mishaps.

Things to Do in White Sands National Park

Feel the Thrill of Backcountry Camping

Enjoy the surreal experience of camping under the stars amidst the enormous gypsum sand desert of New Mexico. Ten primary campsites exist in this national park where you can have a great experience with appropriate preparation. Overnight camping also introduces you to the nocturnal habitats of the area.

Cycle Through the Desert

Cycle through the vast deserts of White Sands National Park and enjoy a stunning view of the incredible landscape. However, bicycling is not permitted on hiking trails, Dunes Drive, or backcountry sites. You need to be experienced enough to cycle through the rugged roads of the deserts. Also, wearing protective clothing and following the traffic rules are the two most important factors of your cycling trip.

Go on A Long Drive

Going on a round trip of 26 kilometers (about 16.2 miles) through the Dunes Drive will offer you a fantastic view of the desert. Though the initial part of this scenic drive is paved, the latter part is a rugged desert road. If you are not used to such road conditions, hire a designated driver. It will take around 45 minutes to complete the entire road trip.

Hike to The Towering Dunes

The five primary hiking trails of this area give you a chance to explore the dunes on your feet. If you want to discover the true beauty of the White Sands National Park’s mesmerizing landscape, then go on a hike to one of those towering dunes and enjoy the stunning view of gypsum sands.

Experience the Native Plant Garden Tour

The White Sands Desert Park is rich when it comes to biodiversity. The native plant garden is located in front of the visitor center, and a tour around it will help you learn about the indigenous plants of the Chihuahuan desert. You can take this tour free of cost.

Key Guidelines for Travelers in White Sands National Park

Your Furry Friend Is Allowed

The White Sands National Park is pet friendly, so you can bring your dogs on the trails with you. However, your dog’s leash should not be more than six feet (about 1.8 meters) in length. Taking care of the pet’s cleanliness and hygiene is your responsibility.

Don’t Hike at High Temperatures

Do not hike if the temperature is more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit (about 29.5 degrees Celsius). To avoid extreme heat, visit the trails early in the day.

Contact the Visitor Center

You should communicate with the Visitor Center before you travel. That way, you will be well aware of any alerts, emergencies, or concerns before you arrive. This will help you to remain safe from unexpected adversities.

Carry Water and Sunscreen

The national park does not have any natural cover to protect you from the scorching rays of the sun. Therefore, you should apply high SPF sunscreen on your skin. Also, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout your trip.

Buy Travel Insurance

Before you start your journey, invest in a visitors medical insurance plan or a trip cancellation insurance plan. This is a smart move that can save you from losing money over medical emergencies or unexpected expenses related to cancellation.

Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in White Sands National Park - FAQs

Visiting a hospital will be the last thing on your mind while you are planning your trip. However, medical emergencies do occur, whether we like it or not. So, it is best to be prepared, as healthcare in the U.S. is too expensive to pay for out of pocket. To avoid losing a huge sum of money on a private hospital, book a visitors medical insurance plan.

Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to White Sands National Park?

White Sands National Park is miles and miles of arid desert. The weather is extremely hot and dry. You will be at constant risk of dehydration or fatigue. If you fall sick or are injured at a remote location, you may need emergency medical evacuation. While these cases can be easily tackled, you could face a medical bill of thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars if you don’t have a visitors medical insurance plan to cover the bill.

What should I look for in my White Sands National Park visitors medical insurance?

1. Your visitors medical insurance plan should have provisions for emergency medical evacuation for transportation to the nearest medical facility that can offer adequate treatment.
2. Your visitors medical insurance plan should have coverage for PPO Network participation.
3. Your visitors medical insurance plan should have provisions to cover instances of an acute onset of pre-existing medical conditions.

Visitors medical insurance plans may appear expensive. However, they are nothing when compared to healthcare costs in the U.S. To avoid emptying your wallet at a private medical facility, buy a visitors medical insurance plan.

Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in White Sands National Park - FAQs

Transportation and lodging costs account for a huge chunk of your trip budget. If you face an emergency and need to cancel your trip, you risk losing a lot of money on these advance deposits. To avoid the hefty financial consequences of canceling your vacation, be sure to purchase a trip cancellation insurance plan.

Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my White Sands National Park travel?

Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse the full amount of your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you have to cancel for a reason explicitly listed in your policy’s certificate wording. Be sure to review the fine print of your plan thoroughly (before you purchase) for a full understanding of what is and isn’t covered. Rest assured that the most common reasons for cancellation (like getting sick before the trip or work-related emergencies) are usually covered under standard plans.

Be aware that White Sands National Park experiences drastic weather changes all year round. There are thunderstorms during summer and sandstorms during winter. During such calamities, the White Sands National Park could close until the storms dissipate. If such a storm occurs during or immediately before your trip, it would likely throw off your travel plans. Book a trip cancellation insurance plan so that you can avoid losing money due to unexpected cancellations.

What should I look for in my White Sands National Park trip cancellation insurance?

Check for benefits in trip cancellation insurance plans such as trip cancellation for covered reasons, trip interruption for covered reasons, trip delay coverage, missed connection coverage, and coverage for theft or loss of baggage.

Once you buy a travel insurance plan, you do not have to worry nearly as much about emergencies. The most important step is to review your insurance plan’s certificate wording to make sure that it covers everything you require.

Before You Travel to White Sands National Park - Do This

Before traveling to White Sands National Park, consider these suggestions.

• Explore the park during the early morning or before sunset so that you don’t face the full glare of the sun.
• Carry a sun umbrella so that you can rest under it when you feel tired.
• Last but not least, buy adequate travel insurance coverage so that you and your group may enjoy a fun and carefree vacation. Enter the details for your trip, review your available options, and choose the plan that best meets the needs of your travel itinerary, your destination, and your budget.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.