Best trails in White Sands National Park
White Sands is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. It covers more than %{145000_acres} in the Tularosa Basin, with the Sacramento and San Andres Mountains on either side. The park is known for its glittering white sand dunes that formed about 10,000 years ago. The sand is made of gypsum, which is actually clear. Surface scratches caused by wind and erosion reflect the sunlight and make the sand appear white. The dunefield covers %{275_square_miles}, making it the largest gypsum dunefield on Earth! The park preserves almost half of this unique wonder.
While there are only 5 hiking trails in the park (plus a ranger-led tour on the Lake Lucero Path), you can easily spend a full day exploring the dunes. White Sands is one of the few national parks that allows dogs on the trails, so feel free to bring your furry hiking buddy. The park also offers guided sunset strolls and full moon hikes. In addition to hiking, you can sled on the dunes! Bring your own sled or buy a sledding saucer from the gift shop in the visitor center. Don't forget to wax your sled if you want to go fast!
Spring and fall are the best times to visit White Sands for the best weather, though you can visit any time of the year. We recommend hiking earlier or later in the day to be most comfortable. No matter the season, feel free to go barefoot if you want! Gypsum doesn't get hot like regular sand. The park is also especially wonderful at sunrise and sunset.
Check for park closures before you visit! An unusual aspect of this park is that it's surrounded by White Sands Missile Range, which regularly conducts missile tests. The only road to the dunes is closed when those tests occur.
There is an entrance fee to visit the park, which you can pay in person at the park entrance.
Top trails
- (4616)·Moderate·4.5 miThe Alkali Flat Trail, marked by red trail markers with a diamond symbol, offers a challenging journey through the heart of White Sands National Park. This trail skirts the edge of a vast, dry lakebed, the remnants of Lake Otero. Hikers will encounter unique dune formations and stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The trail is fully exposed to the sun, so it's essential to bring ample water and sun protection. The Alkali Flat Trail is a popular destination for hikers seeking...
- (2029)·Easy·1.0 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Dune Life Nature Trail invites you to a brief, self-guided loop hike through a unique environment. As you embark on this trail, you'll have the opportunity to ascend two dunes. The trail is marked by blue trail markers, each bearing a club symbol, guiding you along the route. This trail is designed to be family-oriented, offering a chance to observe the tracks of various animals that consider these dunes their home. This area is inhabited by kit foxes, badgers, birds, rodents, and reptiles.
- (1436)·Moderate·1.7 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThis route features a unique hiking experience with gorgeous views. Though backpackers hike the trail most frequently, it is also open to visitors who want a shorter hike through the heart of the dunes. Follow the orange trail markers with a spade symbol into an area of beautifully varied dunes and vegetation. This trail features a few challenging scrambles up and down the loose dunes. Several trail markers can be knocked down by strong winds, so make sure to have an offline downloaded map.
- (577)·Easy·0.4 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Playa Trail is an easy, level trail with outdoor exhibits along the way to help you learn and explore this trail and the characteristics that make it special. Follow the green trail markers with a heart symbol that lead to a small playa. On this self-guided trail, you will discover the importance of a playa undergoing constant change. Learn how this change creates habitats for plants and animals. It may be brown, white, filled with water, or have growing crystals. See what the playa looks...
- (13)·Easy·1.6 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThe Lake Lucero trail at White Sands National Park is also on missile range property. It's in an area known as the zone of co-operative use and is dually managed and used by the NPS and WSMR. It is currently only accessible to the public via park tours offered in the winter time (Nov-March). These tickets are purchased through recreation.gov
- (643)·Easy·0.4 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrTake a nice stroll through the dunes and learn about the science, geology, plants, and animals that make White Sands an unequaled natural wonder. The boardwalk is a great place to take a break under the shade canopy, listen for bird calls, observe lizards, and enjoy wildflowers. Accessibility: This trail is likely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility equipment, or strollers. According to the park website, this trail is wheelchair-accessible. Accessible Parking: Number of...
Visitor info
Entrance fees are valid for entry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.
Per person fee is charged to visitors for entry by means other than a single, private non-commercial vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who enter the park by walking and bicycling. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.
Per vehicle fee is charged to visitors for entry by a single, private non-commercial vehicle. Entrance fees are valid for reentry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.
This pass admits the pass holder and three persons (16 years and older) in a private non-commercial vehicle into the park for free for a period of one year from month of purchase. It can only be purchased at the entrance station to White Sands National Park. This pass does not apply to special use fees, such as camping and interpretive program fees.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The visitor center and gift shop are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, and wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are available. Orientation films include open captioning.
Audio descriptions and Braille and text materials are available.
Additional information about accessibility at White Sands National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The visitor center and gift shop are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers, and wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are also available. Orientation films include open captioning.
The Dunes Drive Picnic Area is wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible vault toilets.
There is an accessible ramp available for special events happening in the dunes.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
