Hiking in White Sands National Park: Trails, Tips & Travel Guide

White Sands National Park encompasses 275 square miles of brilliant white gypsum dunes in the Tularosa Basin of New Mexico. The landscape features wave-like dunes that constantly shift with the wind, creating a stark contrast against the clear desert sky. Visitors can drive the eight-mile scenic Dunes Drive, which leads directly from the visitor center into the heart of the dunefield. The park provides access to numerous walking and hiking trails, ranging from the fully accessible Interdune Boardwalk to the challenging five-mile Alkali Flat Trail. Plant and animal life here is highly specialized, with several species having evolved white coloration to camouflage with the sand. The environment is highly exposed, with intense sunlight reflecting off the ground and minimal natural shade available. Major activities include hiking, backcountry camping, photography, and sliding down the steep dune faces on plastic saucers.