Park Closure:Dunes Drive Safety Corridor
Details
Information:Park phones are out of order
Information:No Horse-Riding or Pack Animal Permits Issued Until Further Notice
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White Sands National Park

White Sands

Family Friendly New Mexico

White Sands National Park to Host Native American Flautist for September Full Moon Night Event

White Sands National Park will host its September Full Moon Night event on Sunday September 7, 2025,...

Aug 28, 2025

Overview

White Sands National Park is located in New Mexico and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

A tent, backpack, and camera equipment at a backcountry camping site.

Backcountry Camping

Sites available

$3Walk-in only
White sand dune in front of plant-spotted interdune with mountains on horizon
Front-Country Hiking

Hiking Dune Life Nature Trail

The Dune Life Nature Trail is full of life! This family-friendly, one mile (1.6 km) loop trail is a ...

45-60 MinutesWinter, Spring
two picnic shelters with metal toppers sit in front of a tall white dune
Playground

Sledding at the Roadrunner Picnic Area

The Roadrunner Picnic area is an excellent place to go sledding with friends and family at White San...

Winter, Spring
Close up view of plant with light green leaves and purple and white flowers
Front-Country Hiking

Hiking the Playa Trail

This short, level, family-friendly trail leads to a small playa.

15-30 MinutesWinter, Spring
A pink sky at dusk over an interdune area
Front-Country Hiking

Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail

Are you looking for expansive views of snow-white gypsum dunes for miles? Hiking the Backcountry Cam...

2-3 HoursWinter, Spring
Two people silhouetted on top of a white dune with blue sky overhead
Front-Country Hiking

Hiking Alkali Flat Trail

Imagine yourself surrounded by the spectacular views of endless dunes with few footprints. The Alkal...

3-5 HoursWinter, Spring
sitting on top of a white dune with dunes stretching to the horizon. A trailhead sign seen below.
Playground

Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead

The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area has some of the tallest dunes to go sledding at White Sands.

Winter, Spring
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The "Best Den Ever!" interpretive sign on Dune Life Nature Trail.

"Best Den Ever!" Interpretive Sign

Kit fox

This is one of many family-friendly interpretive exhibits on the Dune Life Nature Trail at White Sands National Park.

The "Best Friends" interpretive sign at Dune Life Nature Trail.

"Best Friends" Interpretive Sign

Interpretive sign

This is one of several family-friendly interpretive exhibits on Dune Life Nature Trail at White Sands National Park.

The "Big Mouths!" interpretive sign at Dune Life Nature Trail.

"Big Mouths!" Interpretive Sign

Interpretive sign

This is one of many family-friendly interpretive exhibits on Dune Life Nature Trail at White Sands National Park.

The "Fight to the Death" interpretive sign at Dune Life Nature Trail.

"Fight to the Death" Interpretive Sign

Interpretive sign

This is one of many family-friendly interpretive exhibits on the Dune Life Nature Trail at White Sands National Park.

The "Finding Footprints" interpretive sign at the Playa Trail.

"Finding Footprints" Interpretive Sign

Playa trail

This is one of several interpretive exhibits along the Playa Trail at White Sands National Park.

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