White Sands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

About this activity

Welcome to White Sands National Park, where endless waves of gypsum sand dunes create a surreal landscape unlike any other.

As your audio tour guide, I'll lead you through this mesmerizing wonderland of pristine white sands spanning over 275 square miles.

Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty as sunlight dances off the dunes, painting the landscape with ever-changing hues.

Hear tales of the resilient desert flora and fauna adapted to thrive in this harsh environment.

Capture breathtaking views against the backdrop of azure skies, and don't miss the opportunity to sled down the soft slopes, a favorite pastime for visitors of all ages.

Let the whispers of the sands and the timeless charm of this unique natural masterpiece captivate your senses. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at White Sands National Park.

*Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 20 min

   The visitor center is part of the White Sands Historic District, a group of adobe buildings constructed during the Great Depression that adheres to the Pueblo Revival style. At the visitor center, you can visit the small museum, watch the park film, browse through two gift shops, and purchase sleds if you'd like to try sledding on the sand dunes.

2. Stop 2 · 15 min

   This short and very easy trail takes you to a dried lakebed or a playa. Informational panels interpret what the playa looks like, and what kinds of animals it attracts, throughout the seasons. The trail is about a half-mile round trip and flat.

3. Stop 3 · 60 min

   This one-mile loop takes about an hour and goes up and down the dunes through the interdunal area, or the transition zone between the desert scrubland and the sand dunes. Because of a few steep climbs and the general difficulty of hiking through sand, this hike is rated as moderate. But the reward is walking through a unique ecosystem.

4. Interdune Boardwalk · 20 min

   This is a must-stop for everyone. The Interdune Boardwalk is an ADA-accessible elevated path through the interdunal area. If you're not able to try the Dune Life Nature Trail, this one's a great alternative. A couple of covered seating areas offer shade on this half-mile round-trip walk.

5. Stop 5 · 90 min

   White Sands features a backcountry camping area, with remote campsites out among the dunes. However, the trail to the campsites is open to anyone. It's a two-mile loop and rated moderate because of the difficulty of hiking up and down sand dunes. However, this trail is a good alternative if you want to experience being out in the dunes without attempting the more difficult Alkali Flat trail.

6. Alkali Flat Trail · 180 min

   Alkali Flat is the dried lakebed of the ancient Lake Otero, where the white sands are formed. To reach the edge of the flat, hike this five-mile round-trip hike through the sand dunes. Because of the length, and the continued challenge of hiking through sand, this is rated as a difficult hike.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: Route 54 south of Alamogordo, NM; Route 82 comes from Cloudcroft, NM; Route 54 near Tularosa, NM; Route 70 coming from Las Cruces, NM,

Good to know

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• The park is wedged between two military installations: Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range. There are times when Route 70 is blocked, or the park must close, as the military conducts tests. Check the Military Testing Park Closures page on the park’s website for any upcoming closures when planning a trip.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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