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Things to do in White Sands

Every hike and activity the park service lists for White Sands National Park, with how long it takes, when to go and whether dogs can come.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

Close up view of ripples on a dune.
The wind shapes and moves the dunes as a whole but gives each individual dune the texture of ripples. Photo: NPS Photo

Hikes and walks (5)

Hike What it is Time, season, pets
Hiking the Ice Age Trail This level, family-friendly trail interprets the Ice Age history of the Tularosa Basin 45 to 60 Minutes · All year · Pets OK
Hiking Interdune Boardwalk The Interdune Boardwalk is an elevated boardwalk that leads you through the fragile interdune area to a scenic view of the dune field and the Sacramento mountains. 15 to 30 Minutes · All year · Pets with limits
Hiking Alkali Flat Trail Imagine yourself surrounded by the spectacular views of endless dunes with few footprints. The Alkali Flat Trail takes you through the heart of the sands, up and over steep dunes to the edge of Alkali Flat. 3 to 5 Hours · All year · Pets OK
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 great way to explore White Sands. 45 to 60 Minutes · All year · Pets OK
Hiking Backcountry Camping Trail Are you looking for expansive views of snow-white gypsum dunes for miles? Hiking the Backcountry Camping Trail provides a sense of the magnitude of the world's largest gypsum dunefield. 2 to 3 Hours · All year · Pets OK

Other things to do (3)

Activity What it is Time, season, pets
Sledding at the Roadrunner Picnic Area The Roadrunner Picnic area is an excellent place to go sledding with friends and family at White Sands National Park. All year · Pets OK
Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area has some of the tallest dunes to go sledding at White Sands. All year · Pets OK
Picnicking at White Sands White Sands National Park offers three picnic areas where people can enjoy shade, relaxation, and access to the parks incredible dunes. All year · Pets OK

Before you set out

Trail conditions change with snow, fire and storms. Check the park’s current alerts, carry the ten essentials and read know before you go.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hikes in White Sands?
Popular hikes the park service lists include Hiking the Ice Age Trail, Hiking Interdune Boardwalk, Hiking Alkali Flat Trail.
Can I bring my dog on trails in White Sands?
Pets: of the 5 hikes the park service lists here, 5 allow pets (some with limits). Where pets are allowed they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.