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We had an amazing time exploring White Sands National Park in late November, and with the temperatures hovering in the mid-60s, it was the perfect weather for a day of outdoor adventures. We had three activities on our to-do list: sand sledding, light hiking, and sunset photos. Since we wanted to be prepared for everything, we dressed in layers and made sure we were comfortable yet stylish for the day. Here’s what we wore!
Sand Sledding
Sand sledding was undoubtedly the highlight of our visit. We were both excited since we’d never done it before. We got an early start at 9 AM and headed straight to the visitor center to rent our sleds. It was cloudy, and the temperature was a bit chilly—around the mid-50s. Here’s how we dressed for the activity:
Candy’s Outfit:
- Anatomie Emily Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
- Anatomie Londone Relaxed Fit Jogger
- UNIQLO Heat-Tech Leggings and top (underneath the turtleneck and jogger)
- SOREL Emelie Short Lace Boots
- American Hat Makers Bondi Wide Brim Hat
- Bandolier Bowie Strap and Case
- Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack
Crystal’s Outfit:
- Anatomie Halsey Ribbed Turtleneck Top
- Express Leggings
- Amazon The Drop Chunky Chelsea Boots
- Bandolier Bowie Strap and Case
- Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack
- Express Sunglasses
Both of our outfits worked out well, but Candy had a small issue with her joggers. While they were super comfy, they were so soft that she kept sliding off her sled before reaching the bottom of the hill. For sand sledding, it’s probably best to wear materials with a slightly rougher texture for better grip.
Surprisingly, neither of us had much sand get into our boots, which was a relief. We did see some people sledding barefoot, and we joined them later for a bit of barefoot fun too.
Light Hiking
After sledding, we decided to do a light hike around noon. The temperature had risen to the low 60s, so the layers we wore worked perfectly. With the sun shining down, it got warm pretty quickly, so we were glad we dressed in layers. We also highly recommend wearing a hat and/or sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright sun reflecting off the sand.
Candy was fine with just her hat earlier in the day when it was cloudy, but once the sun came out, she had to put on sunglasses too to avoid squinting from the bright light.
Kuma’s Outfit:
- Bandolier Sara Dog Leash & Collar Set
Yes, even our dog, Kuma, had an outfit to match ours! We couldn’t resist getting Kuma a matching Bandolier dog leash and collar set. She looked adorable, and it was the perfect accessory to complete our stylish desert adventure.
Sunset Photos
The sunset at White Sands National Park was something we had been looking forward to all day, and we weren’t disappointed! We read so many glowing reviews, and it really lived up to the hype. Since we wanted to dress up a bit for the sunset photos, we made a few tweaks to our outfits.
Candy’s Outfit for Sunset:
- Anatomie Emily Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
- Express Herringbone Wide Leg Flannel Pant
- UNIQLO Heat-Tech Top (underneath the turtleneck)
- American Hat Makers Bondi Wide Brim Hat
- Bandolier Strap and Case
- Amazon Essentials Cocoon Puffer Coat
Crystal’s Outfit for Sunset:
- Express Black Top and Leggings
- Margaret O’Leary Cashmere Wrap & Texting Gloves
- Anatomie Medal Scuba Puffer Jacket
As the sun set, the sky was filled with stunning purple and pink hues. It was a breathtaking sight, and we made sure to capture the moment in photos. As soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, the temperature dropped dramatically, so we quickly threw on our coats to stay warm.
Tips for Your Visit to White Sands National Park:
- Park Closing Hours: The park closes about an hour after sunset, so make sure you plan accordingly. If you venture too far from the parking lot to catch the sunset, bring a flashlight or headlamp to light your way back.
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses: The sun can be pretty intense, so protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—especially when the sun reflects off the sand.
- Footwear: While sand sledding, we were pleasantly surprised that sand didn’t get into our boots. However, if you’re sledding barefoot, just be ready for some gritty fun!
- Layers Are Key: The temperature can fluctuate, so dressing in layers is the best way to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
White Sands National Park is an incredible place to visit, and with the right clothing and accessories, you can enjoy all of its beauty and adventure without missing a beat. From sand sledding and light hiking to capturing those epic sunset photos, it’s a day that’s well worth planning for.
FAQ:
Q: What should I wear for sand sledding at White Sands?
A: Wear comfortable, flexible clothing, like leggings and a warm but breathable top. Be sure to avoid slippery materials like soft joggers, which might cause you to slide off the sled!
Q: How cold does it get in the evening?
A: The temperature can drop quickly after sunset, so bring a warm jacket or puffer coat to stay comfortable.
Q: Is White Sands National Park dog-friendly?
A: Yes! White Sands is dog-friendly, and Kuma had a great time matching our outfits with her Bandolier leash and collar set.
Enjoy your trip to White Sands National Park, and don’t forget to pack wisely for the weather and activities! Whether you’re sledding down the dunes or catching the sunset, it’s an unforgettable experience!