Discover the Trails: 5 Unforgettable Hikes at White Sands National Park for Your Next Adventure

Located just outside Alamogordo, New Mexico, White Sands National Park is a breathtaking expanse of shimmering white gypsum dunes stretching across 275 square miles of the Tularosa Basin. This otherworldly landscape, once submerged under an ancient lake, now offers visitors a unique desert experience filled with adventure, natural beauty, and rich history.

If you’re planning a visit, White Sands is ideal for both quick day trips and immersive hiking adventures. Whether you’re a casual nature lover or a dedicated trail explorer, the park’s well-marked trails will leave you awestruck. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip, plus five unforgettable trails to explore!

Getting to White Sands National Park

• By Air: The nearest major airports are:

• El Paso International Airport (ELP) – 85 miles (1.5-hour drive)

• Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) – 224 miles (3.5-hour drive)

• By Car:

• From El Paso, take I-10 West to US-70 East towards Alamogordo.

• From Albuquerque, follow I-25 South and then US-70 East.

• Entrance Fee:

• $25 per private vehicle

• $15 per person (walk-in or bicycle)

• America the Beautiful Pass holders enter free.

Where to Stay Near White Sands

• Hotels in Alamogordo (15 miles away): Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express

• Camping: The park offers backcountry camping but no developed campgrounds.

• Nearby Campgrounds:

• Oliver Lee Memorial State Park (24 miles)

• Boot Hill RV Resort (18 miles)

Travel Tips and Money-Saving Ideas

• Visit on a Fee-Free Day: The National Park Service offers a few free entry days yearly, like National Public Lands Day.

• Go Early: Arrive before 9 a.m. to secure parking and avoid crowds.

• Stay Hydrated: Pack a gallon of water per person per day.

• Military Discounts: Active duty military members get free entry with the America the Beautiful Military Pass.

• Pack a Picnic: Food options are limited nearby, so bring your own meals and enjoy the park’s designated picnic areas.

5 Must-Hike Trails at White Sands National Park

Playa Trail

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.5 miles (out & back) | Time: 15 minutes | Elevation Gain: Minimal

The Playa Trail offers a short, flat hike perfect for families, nature photographers, and those seeking a quick yet scenic stroll. This trail leads to a seasonal playa, a dry lakebed that occasionally holds water after rare desert rains, creating stunning reflective pools.

What You’ll See:

• Seasonal Changes: During wetter months, rain can fill the playa, creating a beautiful mirror effect on the white sands. On dry days, the cracked lakebed displays fascinating desert patterns.

• Plant Life: Look for desert-adapted plants like the soaptree yucca and four-wing saltbush, which thrive in the harsh environment.

• Animal Life: Tracks from desert critters like kit foxes, roadrunners, and beetles are often visible in the soft sand.

What to Wear:

• Breathable, light clothing for warmer months and a jacket for cooler mornings.

• Closed-toe shoes to protect feet from hot sand and sharp vegetation.

• Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.

Trail Tips:

• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or just after rain for unique reflections on the water.

• Educational Signs: The trail features interpretive signs explaining the formation of the dunes and the playa’s role in the ecosystem.

• Safety Tip: Stay on the marked path, as it can be easy to lose your way in the open desert.

Dune Life Nature Trail

Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 1 mile loop | Time: 30-45 minutes | Elevation Gain: Mild dune climbs

The Dune Life Nature Trail immerses visitors in the unique ecosystem of White Sands, making it an ideal educational hike for families and wildlife enthusiasts. This moderate loop takes you across low dunes with informative signs along the way.

What You’ll See:

• Wildlife: Look for signs of desert animals like the bleached earless lizard, Apache pocket mouse, and various insects. Dawn and dusk hikes increase your chances of spotting wildlife.

• Flora: You’ll spot tough desert plants, such as skunkbush sumac and ephedra, that have adapted to the extreme environment.

• Sand Ripples: Wind creates beautiful ripple patterns in the gypsum dunes, making this trail perfect for photographers.

What to Wear:

• Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing.

• Hiking boots or shoes designed for sandy terrain.

• Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.

Trail Tips:

• Time Your Visit: Visit during early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and more animal activity.

• Navigation: Follow the blue spade trail markers carefully to avoid getting lost.

• Learning Tip: Read the interpretive signs—they provide fascinating insights into the wildlife and plant adaptations.

Interdune Boardwalk

Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 0.4 miles (out & back) | Time: 20 minutes | Elevation Gain: None

The Interdune Boardwalk offers a fully accessible hiking experience, making it perfect for visitors with limited mobility or those seeking a relaxing walk through the dunes. The raised wooden walkway provides beautiful views with minimal effort.

What You’ll See:

• Geological Displays: Informational panels explain how the dunes were formed from ancient lakes and the natural processes shaping them today.

• Dune Views: The trail offers unobstructed views of the surrounding white dunes and distant Sacramento Mountains.

• Night Sky: This trail is ideal for full moon hikes due to its accessibility and open views.

What to Wear:

• Casual clothes suited for mild walking.

• Comfortable walking shoes.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Trail Tips:

• Accessibility: Perfect for strollers, wheelchairs, and those seeking a low-impact experience.

• Photography: Sunset views here are spectacular, with soft pink and purple hues reflecting off the white sands.

• Best Time to Visit: Sunset or during the park’s Full Moon Night events for a magical experience.

4. Backcountry Camping Trail

Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 2 miles loop | Time: 1-2 hours | Elevation Gain: Minimal, but with soft sand climbs

The Backcountry Camping Trail is ideal for those seeking a more immersive experience in the dunes. This moderately challenging trail takes you deeper into the park, offering seclusion and beautiful dune views. It’s also the only trail that permits backcountry camping (with a permit).

What You’ll See:

• Remote Dunes: Pristine, untouched dunes that feel worlds away from the more frequented areas of the park.

• Night Sky: Due to minimal light pollution, this trail is perfect for stargazing.

• Shifting Sands: Watch the wind reshape the dunes in real-time, an incredible sight for nature lovers.

What to Wear:

• Moisture-wicking layers to regulate body temperature.

• Hiking boots designed for sandy conditions.

• Bring extra layers for cooler desert nights if camping.

Trail Tips:

• Permits Required: Obtain a camping permit from the visitor center if staying overnight.

• Navigation: Bring a compass or GPS device as the landscape can change with the shifting dunes.

• Timing: Start your hike early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

Alkali Flat Trail

Difficulty: Challenging | Distance: 4.4 miles loop | Time: 3 hours | Elevation Gain: Significant dune climbs

The Alkali Flat Trail is the most challenging and rewarding hike in White Sands National Park. Despite its name, the trail involves climbing and descending multiple dunes, making it a physically demanding but visually stunning adventure.

What You’ll See:

• Lake Otero Remnants: The trail takes you to the edge of the ancient dry lakebed, showcasing the vastness of the Tularosa Basin.

• Sand Formations: Wind-sculpted dunes with constantly shifting patterns.

• Wildlife: Spot tracks of nocturnal animals like kangaroo rats and kit foxes in the early morning.

What to Wear:

• Long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt and light hiking pants.

• Closed-toe hiking boots with good ankle support.

• Sun hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Trail Tips:

• Navigation: Follow the orange trail markers carefully, as it’s easy to get lost.

• Start Early: Begin your hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.

• Stay Hydrated: Carry at least one gallon of water per person.

• Photographer’s Dream: Sunset hikes offer breathtaking golden hues over the dunes.

Final Travel Reminders:

• Park Hours: Open from 7:00 a.m. to 30 minutes after sunset.

• Weather Caution: Check conditions before you go. Summer temperatures can soar above 100°F.

• Pack Smart: Bring essentials like sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and a map.

• Leave No Trace: Respect the fragile desert ecosystem by packing out everything you bring.

White Sands National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience where natural beauty meets rich history. Whether you’re exploring the gentle curves of the Playa Trail or challenging yourself on the Alkali Flat Trail, each hike provides its own unique rewards.

Ready to explore more epic trails? Follow Cultured Collectives and Discover the Trails for more hiking inspiration and expert tips!