White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

4.3 (8 Viator reviews) 2 hrs – 3 hrs New Mexico area

White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour
White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour, photo 2
White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour, photo 3
White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour, photo 4
White Sands National Park Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour, photo 5

Photos: Viator · 6 more on Viator

About this activity

NOTE: This walking/driving tour includes a 5-mile hike.

Experience rolling white dunes, mountain backdrops, and a hiking trail like no other with this self-guided driving and walking tour of White Sands National Park. Discover the secrets of this unique ecosystem and delve into its history as you hike the famous Alkali Flat trail through the dazzling dunes. Hear about prehistoric beasts, Apache warriors, and J. Robert Oppenheimer while you take in the park’s majestic scenery. This tour includes both a driving and a walking portion.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1 · pass by

    Welcome to White Sands National Park! Home to one of the most unique and stunning landscapes found in the United States, this one-of-a-kind park is the crown jewel of the Land of Enchantment. NOTE: The tour is over 14 miles long, with more than 45+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.

  2. Interdune Boardwalk · 60 min

    The Interdune Boardwalk is coming up soon! If you’d like to get up-close and personal with the massive white dunes without getting sand in your toes, take a relaxed stroll on this elevated boardwalk. It’s ADA-accessible and a quick, half-mile round trip!

  3. Stop 3 · 30 min

    If you’re looking for a short and sweet hike, this one’s for you. It’s only a mile long and suitable for the whole family! You can even bring dogs, as long as they’re leashed.

  4. Alkali Flat Trail · 40 min

    We’re approaching the Alkali Flat Trail now, where our journey continues on foot. Make sure you’ve got plenty of water and sunscreen, since this hike takes about three hours.

  5. Stop 5 · pass by

    The Backcountry Camping Loop Trail is moderately challenging, a 2-mile round trip

What's included

  • Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
  • Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
  • Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
  • Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
  • Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
  • Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
  • One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
  • Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
  • Access your tour in our separate audio tour app after booking.
  • Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.

Not included

  • No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Begin from White Sands Visitor Center, 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOREVER, so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

End point: The tour ends at Backcountry Camping Trailhead, New Mexico.

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
  • Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
  • Private tour: Follow the route on your phone without an in-person guide or crowded group.
  • At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
  • Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
  • Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
  • More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
  • Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
  • Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
  • Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
  • Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.
  • The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.
  • For walking portions, we recommend using headphones or earbuds for clearer audio and to avoid disturbing others nearby.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

4.3/5

8 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

  • 5 star5
  • 4 star0
  • 3 star3
  • 2 star0
  • 1 star0

Read the reviews on Viator

Campgrounds near this activity

RV rentals near this activity

21 RV rentals with pickup within 60 miles of the center of New Mexico; showing the top 6.

See all RV rentals near New Mexico · RV rentals in Ponderosa Pine

Distances are straight-line from the activity's center of New Mexico (Viator lists this tour under New Mexico; it has no meeting-point coordinates).