Located in southern New Mexico, White Sands NP is a unique and breathtaking destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This stunning landscape and natural wonder is home to the largest gypsum dune field in the world. The park stretches over 275 square miles and offers incredible opportunities for exploration, sand dune sledding and hiking. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or not a hiker at all, White Sands National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a one-of-a-kind, educational and fun outdoor experience! Read on to discover great hiking and walking trails in White Sands National Park; including information on the beautiful Alkali Flat Trail hike.

Here’s what you need to know when hiking the Alkali Flat Trail and exploring White Sands National Park:

1. Plan your visit to White Sands National Park and the Alkali Flat Trail:

The best time to visit and hike White Sands National Park is early spring or late fall. At these times, temperatures are usually mild and comfortable for outdoor activities. February and November are my favorite months for visiting White Sands National Park and for hiking the Alkali Flat Trail. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the dunes can be quite hot and exposed. A hat, sunglasses, plenty of water, high energy snacks and sunscreen are a must. I LOVE hiking the Alkali Flat Trail but White Sands National Park also has a handful of other hiking trail options to choose from.

2. Choose your hike at White Sands National Park… consider the Alkali Flat Trail:

Are you up for a hike? There are several hiking trails at White Sands National Park, ranging from easy to challenging (hello Alkali Flat Trail). There’s one shade structure halfway along the Interdune Boardwalk Trail, but none of the other trails have any shade. Plan accordingly for the lack of shade and always remember White Sands National Park can be dry, hot and at times a very unforgiving desert environment.

The Interdune Boardwalk is a great option for those seeking a leisurely walk on an elevated and wheelchair accessible boardwalk, while the Alkali Flat Trail offers more of a challenge for experienced hikers. Below is a brief description of your White Sands National Park hiking and walking trail options…

White Sands National Park hiking and walking trail options, including my favorite Alkali Flat Trail…

1) The Interdune Boardwalk Trail

The Interdune Boardwalk Trail is stroller and wheelchair accessible and totals .4 miles roundtrip. On this trail, you can look over the 10 outdoor exhibits that feature information on the science, geology, plants and animals that make up White Sands National Park. Plan roughly 20 minutes for this walk.

2) The Playa Trail

The Playa Trail is .5 mile roundtrip and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. This trail is marked by green markers with a heart shape.

3) The Dune Life Nature Trail

The Dune Life Nature Trail is a self-guided, family oriented trail and is a one mile loop. Look for the blue markers with a club symbol.

4) The Back Country Camping Trail

The Back Country Camping Trail is a 2 mile loop which takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is marked by orange markers containing a spade symbol. Note camping is not currently allowed (since COVID) at the Back Country Camp.

5) The Alkali Flat Trail

The Alkali Flat Trail: If you are seeking more of a challenge while visiting White Sands National Park and the weather is not too hot and unforgiving, then I highly recommend you follow the red markers featuring diamond shapes along the Alkali Flat Hiking Trail. This hiking trail is my personal favorite!

The Alkali Flat Trail hike takes visitors through a unique and scenic landscape of white sand dunes and desert vegetation. Don’t let its name fool you, it is far from flat! Be prepared to hike up, down and over sand dune after sand dune while following red markers for this 4.7 mile strenuous loop trail. Always keep your eyes open for the next red marker while navigating and hiking the Alkali Flat Trail at White Sands National Park.

If you opt for this beautiful and fun hike, you will be rewarded with great views of the surrounding desert, the nearby mountains and of course the incredible white dunes that seemingly go on for days and are set next to a beautiful blue sky backdrop. The Alkali Flat Trail at White Sands National Park marks the dry lakebed of Lake Otero. This lake once covered 1,600 square miles and filled the Tularosa Basin during the ice age.  The Alkali Flat Trail takes on average 3 hours to hike and complete.

BE SAFE and pack plenty of water…

No matter which White Sands National Park hiking trail you choose, leave no trace and stay on the designated path to protect the delicate dune ecosystem. Be sure to know your physical limitations and pack plenty of water to survive. These safety precautions are especially important during the warmer months where unfortunately deaths are not uncommon amongst hikers and tourists.

3. Enjoy the scenery at White Sands National Park:

As you hike through the dunes on the Alkali Flat Trail (or just drive through White Sands National Park), take time to stop and admire the breathtaking views. The white sand dunes provide a stark contrast against the blue sky, creating a truly surreal landscape. Although animals are rarely seen in the dunes, keep your eyes open for them. White Sands National Park has documented many different wildlife visitors including 44 different species of mammals, 26 species of reptiles, 6 species of amphibians and almost 100 families of insects within the park. Check out this link for a complete list of wildlife species documented within the park https://www.ohranger.com/white-sands/animals.

4. Explore the White Sands National Park visitor center:

Stop by the visitor center to learn more about the unique history and geology of White Sands National Park. At the Visitor Center, you’ll find interactive exhibits, educational displays, and a gift shop where you can pick up a guidebook, souvenirs and even a sled for some bonus recreational fun on the dunes. The visitor center hours change throughout the year but you can expect it to be open every day except Christmas from roughly 9 AM to 5 PM.

5. Bring a sled:

Don’t forget to bring your sled or buy one from the gift shop at the visitor center. This is loads of fun for everyone!

6. White Sands National Park and the Alkali Flat Trail hours:

The park is open every day of the year except Christmas. If you don’t have a National Park pass, entry fee into the park is $25 per vehicle. White Sands National Park gates open at 7 AM every day of the week but close at different times depending on the season. Gates close at 7 PM in the winter (January 29 – March 11), 8 PM in the spring (March 12 – April 8), and 9 PM in the summer (April 9 – September 9).  Check the NPS website for gate closure time during the fall (September 10 – January 28) at https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/hours.htm.

7. Pets at White Sands National Park and on the Alkali Flat Trail:

Although pets are not allowed inside the visitor center building, they are allowed leashed in the rest of the park. Our Gizmo absolutely loves frolicking about the sand dunes and hiking and running with us on the Alkali Flat Trail. Don’t forget to bring water and poop bags for your fur babies.

8. Camping near White Sands National Park:

My favorite place to camp when visiting White Sands National Park is at Aguirre Springs Campground. This beautiful campground is located at 15000 Aguirre Spring Road in Organ, NM 88052. Check out my Aguirre Springs Campground blogpost for more information on my favorite local camping spot! https://wakewanderrepeat.com/aguirre-springs-campground-a-hidden-gem-near-white-sands-national-park-in-southern-new-mexico/

9. Other places to visit near White Sands National Park:

Check out this link below for more information and history on the White Sands Missile Range. The missile range is located just 65 miles north of White Sands National Park. https://www.nps.gov/whsa/learn/historyculture/white-sands-missile-range.htm

In conclusion:

White Sands National Park is a truly unique and awe-inspiring destination for nature lovers, science geeks and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re seeking leisurely walks, fun sledding or an adventure on the Alkai Flat Trail, White Sands will not disappoint! White Sands National Park’s stunning landscape and trails are a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience .