White Sands and US 70 Closures: Nov. 12 and 16, 2026

White Sands National Park has two military testing closures on its schedule this week: Thursday, November 12, and Monday, November 16, 2026, each from 7 to 8 a.m. On both mornings, Dunes Drive in the park closes and US Highway 70 is also listed as blocked. If you commute toward Las Cruces or have an early park visit planned, build in extra time or adjust your plans.

These closures are part of life in the Tularosa Basin, so here is how they work and how to check before you go.

When are the next White Sands and US 70 closures?

The park's military testing closures page listed these upcoming closures when I checked:

The park updates this list as it gets notice from the missile range, sometimes as little as 24 hours ahead. Check it again the day before you travel.

Why does White Sands close for missile tests?

White Sands National Park sits next to White Sands Missile Range, which regularly conducts military tests. For visitor safety, the park closes Dunes Drive, the only road into the dunefield, for periods of up to three hours during some tests.

During a closure, all activities along Dunes Drive are off limits. The visitor center and gift shop stay open, so you can still stop in, shop and wait it out.

Which part of US 70 closes during testing?

The park's closures page says US Highway 70 between White Sands National Park and Las Cruces may also close during military testing. That is the stretch over San Augustin Pass that many people drive to reach Las Cruces and NMSU.

For highway closure information, the park lists White Sands Missile Range at (575) 678-1178. The missile range's own website lists a roadblock line at (575) 678-2222.

How can I check for closures before I go?

Here are the best places to look:

• Park closures page: the NPS military testing closures page lists upcoming dates, times and whether US 70 is blocked.
• Road conditions: NMRoads, from the New Mexico Department of Transportation, shows highway conditions and closures.
• Park social media: the park says it posts unexpected closures on the White Sands National Park Facebook page.
• Phone: call the park at (575) 479-6124.

Also note the park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, and on Christmas Day. Winter weather can close it unexpectedly too, according to the park's operating hours page.

What do the closures mean for people living in Alamogordo?

For most of us, these closures are a short, occasional inconvenience. They mostly matter if you drive west on US 70 toward Las Cruces early in the morning, so a quick check the night before can save you a wait.

If you are moving here or PCSing to Holloman and plan to work or study in Las Cruces, keep this in mind when you think about commute times. My Moving to Alamogordo guide and Holloman AFB relocation guide cover more about getting around. If you are visiting the dunes soon, my post on the White Sands Sunset Stroll has more ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closure dates come from the White Sands National Park military testing closures page, last updated November 5, 2026, and phone numbers from the National Park Service and White Sands Missile Range websites, all checked 10 November 2026. Test schedules can change on short notice, so check again before you travel.