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

Alamogordo, New MexicoNATURENational Park

Explore the world's largest gypsum dunefield at White Sands National Park, featuring scenic drives, unique hiking trails, and sand sledding.

iHighlights

Info

NATURE

Info

National Park

Info

Half day (3-4 hours)

Accessibility

Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

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.

Contact Information

Phone: +1-575-479-6124

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

FamiliesPhotographersAdventure seekersNature loversSolo travelers

Facilities & Amenities

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

Visitor Tips

• Visit during early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense midday heat and capture dramatic shadows for photography
• Always carry at least one gallon of water per person per day; there is no water available past the visitor center
• Wear polarized sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen, as the white sand reflects UV rays intensely
• Check the official National Park Service website for unexpected closures due to nearby missile testing
• Keep trail markers in sight at all times when hiking; it is extremely easy to become disoriented in the uniform dunes
• Avoid hiking the longer trails like Alkali Flat when temperatures exceed 85°F (29°C)
• Wax the bottom of your plastic sled before each run to slide efficiently down the gypsum dunes

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

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Location & Address

19955 Highway 70 West, Tularosa Basin, Alamogordo, New Mexico, United States

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Best Time to Visit

October to April is the best time to visit due to mild and pleasant weather. Daytime temperatures generally range from 15-25°C. Avoid the extreme summer heat from May to August, when temperatures routinely exceed 38°C, making daytime hiking dangerous. Spring (March-May) often brings high winds and sandstorms. Late fall and winter offer crisp air, clear skies, and fewer crowds compared to the peak spring break weeks in March.
Peak Crowd: March and April during spring break, and October during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Moderate Crowd: November to February on weekends, when weather is cool and pleasant
Low Crowd: June to August due to extreme summer heat making midday exploration difficult

How to Reach

Air

El Paso International Airport (ELP) in Texas is the nearest major airport, located 85 miles away (approximately 1.5 hours by car).

Train

The nearest Amtrak railway station is in El Paso, Texas (85 miles away). From there, renting a car is required to reach the park.

Road

The park entrance is located directly on US Highway 70. It is 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo (15-minute drive) and 52 miles east of Las Cruces (1-hour drive).

Local Transport

No local public transit or shuttle service operates inside the park. You need a personal or rental vehicle to navigate the 8-mile Dunes Drive. Bicycling is permitted but requires caution on sandy road sections.

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Food & Dining

Nearby restaurants near White Sands National Park

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Your Questions, Answered

The park features five trails. The Interdune Boardwalk is an easy 0.4-mile accessible path. For a moderate hike, the Dune Life Nature Trail is 1 mile. The Alkali Flat Trail is a strenuous 5-mile round trip recommended only for experienced hikers in cool weather.

Yes, sand sledding is one of the most popular activities. You can bring your own plastic snow saucer or purchase one at the park's gift shop. Do not use metal or wooden sleds, as they will not slide on the gypsum sand.

Yes, White Sands is highly pet-friendly. Dogs are allowed on all trails and dunes but must remain on a leash (maximum 6 feet) at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.

Yes. Because the park is surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range, both the park and the access highway (US 70) occasionally close for a few hours during active missile testing. Check the park's website before your trip.

There are no RV or car campgrounds inside the park. However, backcountry tent camping is permitted with a required permit, accessible via a 1-mile hike into the dunes from the Backcountry Camping Trailhead.