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Best trails in White Sands National Park

Best trails in White Sands National Park

4.6(8,864 reviews)

·

United States
#37 of 60 national parks

Want to find the best trails in White Sands National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 6 great trails for walking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 4 easy hiking trails in White Sands National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 0 to 75 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to White Sands National Park.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 7 days a week
Passes & fees
Starting at $15
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • 7 am–Sunset
Exceptions
Summer Hours
May 23–Sep 1, 2025 • 7 am–Sunset
Thanksgiving Day
Nov 27, 2025 • Closed
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2025 • Closed
Phone
(575) 479-6124
Entrance pass
Motorcycle

Entrance fees are valid for entry for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase.

$20
Purchase pass
Per Person

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.

$15
Get details from the park
Private Vehicle

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.

$25
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

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.

$45
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

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.

$80
Purchase pass
2025 Fee-free days

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

Overview

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.

Facilities

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

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Trail reviews for White Sands National Park

13,580 trailgoers Busiest in March
May 20, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditions

Several walks/hikes are within a short distance of each other at White Sands National Park. This one is pretty easy, well marked, has informative and educational sign postings, and was an all around joy.

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Medium lot
Dune Life Nature Trail
Jan 15, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

One word: AMAZING! White Sands National Park has been on my bucket list and it did not disappoint. I love empty, harsh landscapes and this is one is so beautiful. We only walked part of the trail as marked then wandered back and forth up and down dunes. Could have spent another couple of hours just walking but sunset came.

Alkali Flat Trail
Apr 23, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat views

White Sands NP - Alonogordo, NM

Dune Life Nature Trail
Apr 18, 2025
Great conditionsGreat views

spicy heat later in the day, go early. I see why they call the place “white sands

Alkali Flat Trail
Feb 15, 2025Hiking
Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

Guided hike by rangers from White Sands NP.. Large gypsum crystals.

Lake Lucero Path
Sep 9, 2024Hiking
Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat views

Half an hour my ass, especially in the heat. As with all trails in White Sands, no shade cover. Bring plenty of water.

Parking: Entry fee, Large lot
White Sands Backcountry Trail
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in White Sands National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in White Sands National Park is Alkali Flat Trail, which has a 4.8 star rating from 4,343 reviews. This trail is 4.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 52 ft.

What is the longest trail in White Sands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in White Sands National Park is Alkali Flat Trail. This trail is estimated to be 4.5 mi long.

How many trails are in White Sands National Park?

There are 6 trails in White Sands National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 8,864 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in White Sands National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, White Sands National Park has you covered. Lake Lucero Path boasts the most elevation gain with 75 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Alkali Flat Trail, which will get you 52 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in White Sands National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in White Sands National Park which is White Sands Backcountry Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 1,334 community reviews.