Front-Country Hiking

This is a great trail for families, but it is not stroller friendly.

White sand dune in front of plant-spotted interdune with mountains on horizon

Dunes and Interdune

Parking for Dune Life Nature Trail is on Dunes Drive, 2.8 miles (4.5 km) from the visitor center. 

Join Dune Life Nature Trail mascot Katie the Kit Fox along this trail to learn about the animals that live here in 14 interpretive signs. The Dune Life Nature Trail is an ecotone: a place where two communities meet and integrate. In this area, the desert scrub community and the gypsum sand dunes meet and form one of the most diverse ecosystems in the park. Look for the tracks of the animals that call these dunes home: kit foxes, badgers, birds, coyotes, rodents, and reptiles all live in this area. <ul> <li>Dune Life Nature Trail is a moderate one mile (1.6 km) loop through dunes of up to 30 feet (9.1 m) tall as well as an interdune area. </li> <li>This trail takes an average of one hour to complete. </li> <li>You will follow blue trail markers with a club symbol to navigate the trail.</li> </ul>   <h2>Ranger Recommendations</h2> <ul> <li>Bring plenty of water for your family and pets</li> <li>This trail has very little shade. Use adequate sun protection.</li> <li>Look carefully for the next trail marker before continuing. If you cannot see the next trail marker because of blowing sand or because the trail marker is knocked down, do not proceed—return to your car. Strong winds can reduce visibility to a few feet, making it easy to become lost.</li> <li>Keep in mind that this trail is for observing plant and animal life. If you want to play in the sand, please drive farther down Dunes Drive where there are better dunes for sledding and picnic tables with shade.</li> <li>Stay on the trail to avoid damaging delicate biocrust.</li> <li>Visit our <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hiking-safety-tips.htm">Hiking Safety</a> page for more recommendations about hiking in the unique conditions of White Sands National Park</li> </ul>

<ul> <li>Pets are allowed on a leash of maximum 6 feet length.</li> <li>Please remember to clean up after your pet. </li> <li>Pets need plenty of water!</li> <li><a href="javascript:HandleLink(">Learn more about bringing your pet to White Sands National Park</a></li> </ul>

The Dune Life Nature Trail is full of life! This family-friendly, one mile (1.6 km) loop trail is a great way to explore White Sands.

During hot summer months, consider hiking early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Check the park's <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hours.htm">Operating Hours</a> page for current closure time.

Hiking Dune Life Nature Trail

Dunes

Trails

Playground

A <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/fees.htm">park entrance pass</a> is required for to enter White Sands National Park.  Sleds can be purchased at the White Sands Trading Post during <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/fees.htm">visitor center hours</a> if you do not bring your own sled to the park.

two picnic shelters with metal toppers sit in front of a tall white dune

Sledding at the Roadrunner Picnic Area

The Roadrunner Picnic area provides an incredible place to go <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/sledding.htm">sledding</a> with your friends and family. 40 feet dunes rise out of the parking lot with incredibe views of the San Andres and Sacramento mountains and white dunes running for miles. A twenty minute drive from the visitor center, this picnic area is very large and has plenty of parking available. The size of this picnic area easily accomodates groups traveling by RV or pulling a trailer. Accessible covered picnic areas and two vault toilets makes this place one of the best sledding areas with access to facilities and shade. White sand dunes surround the entire picnic area providing plenty of space to go sledding even on the busiest days. Both large and smaller dunes are present giving you whatever sledding experience you are looking for. Sledding at White Sands still requires you to be prepared. Make sure you bring plenty of water (1 gallon per person is suggested) and sun protection.The visitor center is the only place in the park that has water available. Adult supervision of children is advised. Children ages 5 to 9 are most susceptible to injury. Parents of young children should not let them sled alone. Older children should be coached on how to check for hazards such as vegetation and other visitors on the dunes. Visitors are allowed to bring sleds into the park or they can purchase sleds at the White Sands Trading Post gift shop. For questions about sledding, please call (575) 479-6124.

Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Visitors must pick up after their dogs. Please makes you bring plenty of water for your pets as well as yourself.

Summer temperatures at White Sands National Park often average in the high 90's during the day with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees farenheit consistently. Thunderstorms are common in the park and are most frequent during July and August. Please pay attention to changing weather during your visit at the park. Winter temperatures average in the 60's during the day and around 30 degrees at night. Please come prepared for cold temperatures.

The Roadrunner Picnic area is an excellent place to go sledding with friends and family at White Sands National Park.

Two people silhouetted on top of a white dune with blue sky overhead

Alkali Flat Photo

Trailhead parking lot is at the end of the loop portion of Dunes Drive, 7.4 miles (12 km) from the visitor center.

Surround yourself with a rolling white landscape that stretches endlessly in every direction. Embrace the solitude offered by this trail as it travels up and down the dunes and away from the road. Find yourself along the outer edge of Alakli Flat, the salty expanse where an ancient lake once flourished.  <ul> <li>This is a strenuous five mile (8 km) loop hike. This hike consistantly has you climbing 60 ft (18.3 m) dunes. You will end at the same trailhead from which you begin. </li> <li>This trail takes an average of four hours to complete. </li> <li>Follow the red diamond trail markers to complete the trail. If you are unable to see the next marker, turn around and go back to the trailhead. </li> <li> Although the name of the trail is "Alkali Flat," please note that this trail is not flat!    <h2>Ranger Recommendations</h2> </li> <li>Bring plenty of water for your family and pets</li> <li>This trail has very little shade. Use adequate sun protection.</li> <li>Look carefully for the next trail marker before continuing. If you cannot see the next trail marker because of blowing sand or because the trail marker is knocked down, do not proceed—return to your car. Strong winds can reduce visibility to a few feet, making it easy to become lost.</li> <li>Stay on the trail to avoid damaging delicate biocrust</li> <li>Visit our <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hiking-safety-tips.htm">Hiking Safety</a> page for more recommendations about hiking in the unique conditions of White Sands National Park</li> </ul>

Imagine yourself surrounded by the spectacular views of endless dunes with few footprints. The Alkali Flat Trail takes you through the heart of the sands, up and over steep dunes to the edge of Alkali Flat.

During the hot summer months, consider hiking early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Check the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hours.htm">Operating Hours</a> page for information about the park's current closing time.

Hiking Alkali Flat Trail

Duration varies by hiker. This short trail is 0.25 miles one way, 0.5 miles round trip.

Close up view of plant with light green leaves and purple and white flowers

Hoary rosemary mint

Playa Trail begins from a small parking area on Dunes Drive, 2.7 miles (4.3 km) from the visitor center. 

A playa is a shallow depression or low-lying area that fills temporarily with rainwater. Most of the year it is a dry lakebed. During monsoon storms, playas refill with water, creating an interesting ecosystem and ever-changing habitat for plants and animals. The playa changes throughout the season--it may be brown, white, filled with water, or growing crystals. Hike out and see what it looks like today! <ul> <li> Playa Trail is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) out and back.  </li> <li> Green trail markers with a heart symbol mark the trail. </li> <li>Five interpretive panels are located along the trail.</li> </ul>   <h2>Ranger Recommendations</h2> <ul> <li>Bring plenty of water for your family and pets.</li> <li>This trail has no shade--bring adequate sun protection.</li> <li>Stay on the trail to avoid damaging delicate biocrust.</li> <li>Visit our <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hiking-safety-tips.htm">Hiking Safety</a> page for more recommendations about hiking in the unique conditions of White Sands National Park.</li> </ul>

The playa will only be filled with water after rain. The rainy season is July-September. 

This short, level, family-friendly trail leads to a small playa.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hours.htm">Current park hours</a>

Hiking the Playa Trail

Geology

Groundwater

Close up of a large lizard with blue face and tail

Blue whiptail

The parking area for the Interdune Boardwalk is on Dunes Drive, 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from the visitor center. 

The Interdune Boardwalk is an elevated boardwalk that leads you through the fragile interdune area to a scenic view of the dunefield and the Sacramento mountains. Ten interpretive panels along the boardwalk explain the amazing science of White Sands National Park, including tenacious wildlife, fascinating geology, and other special features of the world's largest gypsum dunefield. This short walk has much to discover! <ul> <li>The Interdune Boardwalk is 0.4 miles (0.6 km) round trip.</li> <li>A large shade structure is located halfway down the boardwalk. </li> <li>An accessible restroom is located in the parking area. </li> </ul> <h2>Ranger Recommendations</h2> <ul> <li>Bring plenty of water for your family and pets.</li> <li>Keep in mind that this trail is for observing plant and animal life. If you want to play in the sand, please drive farther down Dunes Drive where there are better dunes for sledding and picnic tables with shade.</li> <li>Stay on the trail to avoid damaging delicate biocrust.</li> <li>Visit our <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hiking-safety-tips.htm">Hiking Safety</a> page for more recommendations about hiking in the unique conditions of White Sands National Park.</li> </ul>

This is the park's only ADA accessible trail. Please make sure your pet is well-behaved and completely under your control.  <ul> <li>Pets are allowed on a leash of maximum 6 feet length.</li> <li>Please remember to clean up after your pet. </li> <li>Pets need plenty of water!</li> <li><a href="javascript:HandleLink(">Learn more about bringing your pet to White Sands National Park</a></li> </ul>

The Interdune Boardwalk is an elevated boardwalk that leads you through the fragile interdune area to a scenic view of the dune field and the Sacramento mountains.

Hiking Interdune Boardwalk

Picnicking

a row of curved metal structures provides shade to picnic tables on a concrete pad.

Picnicking at White Sands

Picnicking with family and friends is a wonderful way to enjoy the peace, tranquility, and beauty of the park. The Yucca, Roadrunner, and Primrose picnic areas are named after several of the most iconic plant and animal species in the park. These picnic areas are located off Dunes Drive about six to seven miles (9. 65 –11.26 km) from the fee station. There are a total of 62 shaded tables in the three designated public picnic areas. Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are typically plenty of picnic tables for everyone to enjoy. Some tables are ADA accessible, and each has an elevated grill. Personal grills are allowed in picnic areas and pull outs along Dunes Drive. When using personal grills, charcoal must be removed from the park. If using one of the park's grills, please leave the charcoal in the grill and douse with water. <h3>Large groups</h3> In the Roadrunner Picnic Area there are two picnic pavilions that will accommodate groups up to 20 individuals. These tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For larger groups, the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/groupuse.htm">Group Use Area</a> offers a private location with several picnic tables and one large picnic pavilion. The group use area also has two grills and a vault toilet. Reservations are required to use this area. <h3>Tips for a great picnic:</h3> <ul> <li>Use colored plates, napkins, cups, and silverware. White, plastic dinnerware is not easily visible on the white sand. Remember to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/leave-no-trace.htm">Leave No Trace</a>.</li> <li>When you are done with your picnic, use our recycling bins by the vault toilets to recycle plastic and aluminum.</li> <li>Consider using reusable tableware to reduce the amount trash left behind in the park.</li> <li>Trash dumpsters are provided in the picnic areas for your use. If the small trash cans are full please throw trash in the large dumpsters.</li> <li>Bag your trash. Wind will pick up things like paper plates and napkins and carry them into the dunes.</li> </ul> Helping to keep picnic areas clean allows our wildlife to stay wild and the park pristine.

Pets are allowed anywhere you are allowed in the park as long as they are on a 6-foot (2 meter) long leash attached to a person.

White Sands National Park offers three picnic areas where people can enjoy shade, relaxation, and access to the parks incredible dunes.

Scenic Views

Time varies by hiker speed. Allow at least 2 hours for this moderately strenuous trail. 

A pink sky at dusk over an interdune area

Sunset on Backcountry Camping Trail

Parking lot for the trailhead is on Dunes Drive, 6.5 miles (10.5 km) from the visitor center. 

Explore the White Sands Backcountry to catch a view of gorgeous landscape with the stunning San Andres Mountains to the west. Along the Backcountry Camping Loop Trail, you're likely to see bleached earless lizards, towering soaptree yuccas, and the occasional white moth. This loop is also a good place to see a fiery White Sands sunset.  <ul> <li>This is a 2 mile loop (3.2 kilometers) that is rated as moderate to strenous and climbs 40-50 foot (12-15 m) dunes throughout</li> <li>This hike takes an average of 2-3 hours to complete</li> <li>Follow the orange spade trail markers to complete the trail. If you're unable to see the next marker, turn around and go back to the trailhead. </li> </ul> <h2>Ranger Recommendations</h2> <ul> <li>Look carefully for the next trail marker before continuing. If you cannot see the next trail marker because of blowing sand or because the trail marker is knocked down, do not proceed—return to your car. Strong winds can reduce visibility to a few feet, making it easy to become lost.</li> <li>Bring plenty of water for your family and pets. One gallon (4 Liters) of water per person per day is recommended, as well as high-energy snacks such as fruit, nuts, and energy bars. Fill up water containers at the visitor center. There is no water available in the dunefield.</li> <li>This trail has very little shade. Use adequate sun protection.</li> <li>Visit our <a href="https://cms.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hiking-safety-tips.htm">Hiking Safety</a> page for more recommendations about hiking in the unique conditions of White Sands National Park</li> </ul>

Are you looking for expansive views of snow-white gypsum dunes for miles? Hiking the Backcountry Camping Trail provides a sense of the magnitude of the world's largest gypsum dunefield.

Be sure to check the park's <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hours.htm">Operating Hours & Seasons</a> for closure time.

Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail

A <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/fees.htm">park entrance pass</a> is required for to enter White Sands National Park.  Sleds can be purchased at the White Sands Trading Post during <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/fees.htm">visitor center hours</a> if you do not bring your own sled to the park.

sitting on top of a white dune with dunes stretching to the horizon. A trailhead sign seen below.

Sledding the Alkali Flat Trailhead Area

The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area offers incredible <a href="https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/sledding.htm">sledding</a> opportunities on White Sands National Park's gypsum dunes in the heart of the park. Incredible views of White Sands and the surrounding mountains greet you on the top of the tallest dunes accessible by the dunes drive. <img id="cs_icon7552111" src="https://cms.nps.gov/commonspot/images/action-big-multi.png" /> A twenty five minute drive, the Alkali Flat trailhead parking area is at the end of the 8 mile dunes drive. The parking lot is plowed into the dunes as provided plenty of parking for standard cars and oversized vehicles. Tall dunes line the parking lot and give plenty of excellent sledding locations. For a little more privacy, hike a few dunes in to have fresh sand to sled down. There is one vault toilet there are no shade structures present at Alkali Flat Trailhead parking area. Do note, the alkali flat area can be difficult hiking and has steeper dunes. This area is not suggested for young children. Sledding at White Sands still requires you to be prepared. Make sure you bring plenty of water (1 gallon per person is suggested) and sun protection. The visitor center is the only place in the park that has water available. Adult supervision of children is advised. Children ages 5 to 9 are most susceptible to injury. Parents of young children should not let them sled alone. Older children should be coached on how to check for hazards such as vegetation and other visitors on the dunes. Visitors are allowed to bring sleds into the park or they can purchase sleds at the White Sands Trading Post gift shop. For questions about sledding, please call (575) 479-6124.

Summer temperatures at White Sands National Park often average in the high 90's during the day with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees farenheit consistently. Thunderstorms are common in the park and are most frequent during July and August. Please pay attention to changing weather during your visit at the park. Winter temperatures average in the 60's during the day and around 30 degrees at night. Please come prepared for cold temperatures

The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area has some of the tallest dunes to go sledding at White Sands.

Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead

Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield. White Sands National Park preserves a major portion of this unique dunefield, along with the plants and animals that live here.