White Sands National: What to Expect, What to Do, and Why It’s Worth Visiting

When we decided to visit White Sands National Park, I wasn’t especially excited. I couldn’t quite explain why. Maybe it was the idea of spending a day surrounded by nothing but sand. That changed almost immediately when we pulled into the parking lot near the visitor center.

The landscape didn’t feel like a desert in the traditional sense. The white sand dunes stretched out in every direction, bright against a deep blue sky, creating a scene that felt more like winter than New Mexico. It was quiet, open, and strangely captivating.

The visitor center wasn’t open when we arrived, but as we walked around looking for a map, we noticed red plastic saucers scattered near benches and along the ground. It didn’t take long to realize they were for sledding down the dunes. A handwritten note left behind said simply, “Have fun.” That felt like all the encouragement we needed.

With only one day in the park, we wanted to make the most of it. After checking the trail map, we settled on the Alkali Flat Trail, a five-mile loop that crosses deep into the heart of the dune field. Despite its name, we would soon learn that this hike was anything but flat.

Alkali Flat Trail at White Sands National Park

The Alkali Flat Trail is the most immersive hike in White Sands National Park and the one that truly takes you into the heart of the dune field. It’s a five-mile loop that leaves the edges of the park behind and replaces them with rolling white dunes in every direction.

Despite the name, the Alkali Flat Trail is not flat. From the moment you step off the packed sand near the trailhead, the terrain becomes soft and uneven. Every step forward sinks slightly, and climbing even modest dunes requires more effort than you might expect. Our legs and feet had to quickly adjust to pushing through sand instead of walking on solid ground, and it didn’t take long for our breathing and heart rates to climb.

As the miles passed, the hike became more fun than difficult. Gail and I started racing each other to the tops of the dunes, laughing one minute and catching our breath the next. The trail markers, tall orange posts spaced across the landscape, were essential. With no trees, rocks, or landmarks to follow, it would be easy to lose your sense of direction without them.

One of the most surprising parts of hiking the Alkali Flat Trail was how playful it became. We walked the flatter sections and ran up the steeper dunes, then eventually started running down the opposite sides. Descending through soft sand was far easier and a lot more fun than climbing up.

Is the Alkali Flat Trail Dangerous?

Most of the challenge on the Alkali Flat Trail comes from exposure rather than technical difficulty. With no shade and soft sand underfoot, it’s a hike that requires preparation, especially in warmer months.

In cooler conditions, like when we visited, the trail felt demanding but manageable. As long as you follow the trail markers, bring adequate water, and respect the weather.

The Alkali Flat Trail is a rewarding hike rather than a dangerous one. It’s best suited for hikers who are comfortable with distance, sun exposure, and walking on soft sand for extended periods.

Why Hike the Alkali Flat Trail?

If you want to experience White Sands National Park beyond quick stops and photo pullouts, the Alkali Flat Trail is the hike that delivers. It offers uninterrupted views of the gypsum dunes, a sense of scale that’s hard to grasp from the road, and a quiet, almost otherworldly atmosphere that makes the park feel completely different from anywhere else we’ve been.

By the time we finished the loop, tired and sandy, the name no longer mattered. The Alkali Flat Trail had become one of the most memorable hikes of our day at White Sands.

Other Things to Do at White Sands National Park

While hiking the Alkali Flat Trail was the highlight of our visit, there’s more to do at White Sands than just hiking. The park is surprisingly versatile, whether you want to be active or simply enjoy the landscape at a slower pace.

Sledding the White Sand Dunes

Sledding is one of the most popular activities at White Sands National Park, and it’s hard to miss. Plastic saucers are often scattered near the visitor center and picnic areas, and when the center is open, you can purchase sleds inside.

The dunes closest to the road are perfect for this. Kids were flying down the slopes, and plenty of adults were giving it a try too. Success depends on the sand conditions and the sled itself. Waxing the bottom helps, and lighter riders tend to glide more easily. Either way, it’s a fun and uniquely White Sands experience.

Scenic Drive Through the Dune Field

Dunes Drive is the main road through the park and an attraction on its own. The paved road cuts directly through the white gypsum dunes, with pullouts that make it easy to stop, walk out onto the sand, and take photos.

Even short walks from these pullouts give you a feel for how vast the dune field really is. If hiking isn’t on your agenda, this drive still lets you experience the heart of the park.

Photography and Exploring the Dunes

One of the simplest things to do at White Sands National Park is wander. There’s no shortage of open space, and walking even a short distance away from the road quickly feels quiet and remote.

The contrast between the white sand and the blue sky is striking, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Footprints, wind patterns, and shadows constantly reshape the dunes, so the scenery never looks the same twice.

Why Is White Sands White?

One of the most common questions about White Sands National Park is why the sand is so white. Unlike most deserts, the dunes here are made of gypsum rather than quartz.

Gypsum doesn’t absorb heat the way darker sand does, which helps keep the surface cooler, even on warmer days. Over time, erosion from surrounding mountains washed gypsum into the basin, where it crystallized and broke down into the fine, white sand that now forms the dunes.

Is White Sands National Park Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, yes.

White Sands National Park feels completely different from other desert parks we’ve visited. The landscape is simple, but it’s also immersive. Whether you hike deep into the dunes, sled the slopes near the road, or just take your time walking and exploring, the experience sticks with you.

We spent about seven hours in the park and never felt rushed or bored. By the time we left, we were glad we had set aside a full day rather than treating it as a quick stop. White Sands isn’t just something you see, it’s a place you experience.

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• Granny Henderson’s Cabin: A Short Side Trip from the Centerpoint Trailhead
• Hemmed In Hollow Falls Trail: A Hard Hike to Arkansas’ Tallest Waterfall

Our White Sands National Park Hike Video