White Sands National Park offers a giant sandbox in which visitors can run, jump, tumble and rumble, all while enjoying a soft landing among the countless grains of sand that comprise the landscape of this unique park. Here are few of the activities available in White Sands.
Guide to White Sands
Hiking in White Sands
The park offers a minimal amount of hiking trails, which total less than 10 miles parkwide. Nevertheless, these trails provide visitors with a chance to explore the dunes and experience their beauty up close.
If you’re looking for a more strenuous hike, try the Alkali Flat Trail, which forms a loop in the park’s northwestern region. This trail provides the most in-depth trail across the dunes, but is not really a maintained trail, as its base is comprised of sand and it is marked by plastic stakes.
While the trails may be limited inside the park, there are options to just hike on out there on your own. One can quickly attain solitude in this park, as the numbers of guests willing to venture into the depths of the sands are few. That said, a compass & a knowledge of how to navigate may be required, as it is easy to become disoriented by the dunes, which often look exactly the same.
A wise off-trail hiker will take note of distant landmarks before departing the parking lot, as well as the navigational direction of each. Having knowledge of the distant surroundings will allow one to be confident in their direction of travel when retreating toward the road after a fine adventure.
Sandboarding & Sledding
One of the more adventurous activities in the park is sandboarding and sledding. Visitors can rent sandboards or sleds from the park’s visitor center and then hit the slopes for a fun and unique experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sandboarder, White Sands offers a unique and exciting way to enjoy the sand dunes, so get out there and shred it, Dude…
Photography in White Sands
With its stunning landscapes and unique natural features, White Sands is a photographer’s paradise. Visitors can capture the beauty of the dunes and surrounding desert environment, making it a perfect place for anyone interested in photography.
Wildlife Watching
White Sands is home to a variety of unique and adapted wildlife species, including the sand gazelle, kangaroo rat, and white-tailed antelope squirrel. Visitors can observe these animals and other species as they explore the park, making it a great place for wildlife watching.
Stargazing
White Sands National Park is one of the few parks in the country designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning it offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. With no light pollution to obscure the night sky, visitors can take in the beauty of the stars and constellation, making it a perfect place for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts.
Guided Ranger Programs
White Sands offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including walks, talks, and activities for visitors of all ages. These programs provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about the park’s history, wildlife, and geology, making it a great way to deepen your understanding of the park and its unique features.
Special Events
Throughout the year, White Sands National Park hosts a variety of special events and activities, including full-moon walks, nature photography workshops, and birding tours. These events provide visitors with a unique and exciting way to experience the park and its many features.
Explore White Sands
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