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

Contact Information

Why This Place is Special

• • World's largest gypsum dunefield spanning 275 square miles
• • Sand sledding on steep dune faces using plastic saucers
• • The Alkali Flat Trail for challenging backcountry hiking
• • Fossilized human and megafauna footprints from the Ice Age
• • Endemic white wildlife like the Bleached Earless Lizard
• • Scenic Dunes Drive covering eight miles into the dunefield

Ideal For

Facilities & Amenities

• • Parking
• • Restrooms
• • Drinking water
• • Information center
• • Souvenir shops
• • Wheelchair access
• • Ramps
• • Seating areas

Rules & Restrictions

• • Off-road driving is strictly prohibited
• • Drones and unmanned aircraft are not allowed within park boundaries
• • Glass bottles are prohibited on the dunes
• • Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times
• • Do not remove any sand, plants, wildlife, or historical artifacts
• • Bicycles are allowed on Dunes Drive but prohibited on the sand dunes and hiking trails

Safety Information

• • Drink water constantly, aiming for one gallon per person per day, even if you do not feel thirsty
• • Do not rely on cell phone GPS maps, as network signals are heavily limited in the dunes; take a physical map
• • Keep children close and trail markers in sight, as the uniform white landscape makes it incredibly easy to get lost
• • Avoid daytime hiking from May to August when ground temperatures can cause heat exhaustion quickly
• • Do not tunnel deep into the sand dunes, as the heavy gypsum sand can easily collapse and cause suffocation
• • Watch out for rattlesnakes and scorpions, especially during the warmer months and near vegetation