White Sands Missile Range is an active U.S. Army installation in southern New Mexico near Las Cruces. This guide covers directions, gates, visitor rules, housing, services, schools, medical care, and recreation. Access can change during missile testing.

Base Overview

Official name White Sands Missile Range
Military branch U.S. Army
Base status Active
Street address 100 Headquarters Avenue, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico 88002-5000
Main phone number 575-678-2121
Visitor Center phone 575-678-5605
Official website White Sands Missile Range official website

Location and Directions

The range covers about 3,200 square miles in southern New Mexico. The Las Cruces Gate is south of U.S. Highway 70, where the highway crosses White Sands. The El Paso Gate is near Condron Army Airfield and is closer to El Paso, Texas.

The Las Cruces and El Paso gates are listed as open 24 hours daily, but they may close during missile testing. Roadblocks may also be set up on U.S. Highways 70, 54, and 380. Call 575-678-1178 for roadblock information.

Visitor Information

Both the Las Cruces Gate and El Paso Gate have Visitor Control Centers. Call the Visitor Center at 575-678-5605 before traveling to confirm current access rules, gate status, and road conditions.

The Trinity Site opens to the public once a year. The listed open-house date is October 17, 2026. Visitors age 18 and older need government-issued photo identification. Vehicles need insurance and registration, or a rental agreement. Foreign nationals need a valid passport. No weapons are allowed, and the remote site has no gas station.

Housing and Lodging

On-base housing is provided through White Sands Homes. Call the housing office at 575-678-6133 or White Sands Homes at 575-674-2463. Installation lodging is available through IHG lodging at 575-288-3220.

Facilities and Services

Army Community Service is in Building 250 on Rock Island Avenue. It offers information and referrals, relocation help, employment and financial readiness, Army Emergency Relief, family programs, and deployment support. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on weekends and federal holidays.

Service Phone
Army Community Service 575-678-6767
Military Personnel Division 575-678-7645
Child and Youth Services Parent Central 575-678-5670
School Liaison Office 575-678-2708

Schools and Childcare

White Sands School serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The School Liaison Office can help families at 575-678-2708.

Child and Youth Services offers before- and after-school programs and seasonal camps. Contact Parent Central at 575-678-5670 for current eligibility, registration, schedules, and space.

Medical Services

McAfee U.S. Army Health Clinic provides appointment-based care for TRICARE-enrolled eligible beneficiaries in the White Sands Missile Range community and nearby areas. Call 575-674-3500 for appointments.

Service area What is available
General care Outpatient care, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, and immunizations
Work and family care Occupational health, industrial hygiene, behavioral health, and social work
Other care Well-woman examinations and limited pediatric, optometry, and physical therapy services

The clinic does not provide emergency or urgent-care services. For an ambulance, call 575-678-1234 from a cell phone or call 911 from a landline. Dental care is for active-duty personnel; call 575-674-3597 for dental appointments.

Recreation and Amenities

Installation amenities include the Frontier Club, Roadrunner Lanes bowling, a post theater, an aquatic center, a post library, Caravan Park, and a museum. Call 575-678-2055 for the Frontier Club, 575-678-3465 for bowling, 575-678-1713 for Caravan Park, or 575-678-3358 for the museum.

Things to Know

  • White Sands Missile Range is an active testing and training installation.
  • Gates and public roads may close during missile tests.
  • The Trinity Site is not normally open for public visits; public access is through the annual open house.
  • The Trinity Site is remote, has no gas station, and includes unpaved areas with loose sand and rocks.
  • Confirm current gate access, road conditions, and operating hours before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What branch operates White Sands Missile Range?

White Sands Missile Range is operated by the U.S. Army.

Are the gates open all day?

The Las Cruces and El Paso gates are listed as open 24 hours daily, but testing may cause closures.

When can the public visit the Trinity Site?

The Trinity Site opens to the public once a year. The listed date is October 17, 2026.

Does the health clinic treat emergencies?

No. McAfee U.S. Army Health Clinic does not provide emergency or urgent-care services.

What school serves children on the installation?

White Sands School serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.