The United States’ White Sands National Park is located in New Mexico, completely surrounded by the Whitesands Missile Range. This park covers 145,762 acres of the Tularosa Basin and includes the southern 41% of a field of white sand dunes composed of gypsum crystals. Visitors to the park can take in the beauty of the desert while hiking and biking through the area.

Alkali Flat Trail

For the most part, the Alkali Flat Trail in White Sands National Park is a five-mile-long hike that offers stunning views of the desert. The trail is also well marked, with color-coded markers every few hundred feet. The trail is best walked on foot, as there are no shelters, cover, or water to wash your feet. Hikers should try to avoid this trail in summer, when temperatures can soar to 100 degrees. Instead, hikers should consider starting in early spring or late fall when temperatures are cooler and less humid.

The trail starts at the end of the seven-mile Dunes Drive, which takes you into the heart of the White Sands National Park. From there, you can easily access all of the park’s destinations. For additional information, you can visit the park’s website. It’s also worth noting that there are water refill stations located at the Visitor’s Center, so be sure to bring along water with you.

Hiking in White Sands National Park is not easy. Despite its name, the Alkali Flat Trail is not a flat trail. Instead, it follows a series of markers and provides a truly otherworldly experience. You’ll be able to see the San Andreas and Sacramento Mountain Ranges, which frame the area. However, the trail is constantly shifting and can be a difficult one if you’re unprepared.

Interdune Boardwalk

A boardwalk, the Interdune Boardwalk in White Sands National Park offers panoramic views of the dunefield and the Sacramento Mountains. The paved trail features 10 outdoor exhibits about the tenacious wildlife and science happening here. It is also wheelchair accessible and has a shade structure. The walk is 0.4 miles round-trip. The National Park Fee is $10 per person. It is well worth the National Park Fee.

The boardwalk leads you through a fragile interdune area, which is where the plants in the dune field begin. Taking your time on the boardwalk allows you to stop to observe the lizards and bird calls as you take in the views. There are also benches and informational signs located throughout the boardwalk. The trail is flat for the first quarter-mile and then begins a steep slope.

The boardwalk offers the ultimate in stability, but it’s also possible to explore the sand trail in barefoot. While you might expect that it’s dry and warm, the trail is actually quite drier than you’d think. Take plenty of water and sunglasses with you to avoid sunburn. And don’t forget your camera! The Interdune Boardwalk is worth the visit. You can explore the local wildlife and learn about its adaptations in the desert.

Alkali Flat

The Alkali Flat Trail is located at the end of the seven-mile long Dunes Drive, the main road through White Sands National Park. From here, you can access all the park’s attractions. You can find more information on the trail’s amenities at the park’s Visitor Center, which also has water refill stations. Once you’re done hiking, you can head back to the Visitor Center for water.

The Alkali Flat Trail, near the White Sands Visitor Center, offers views of the sand flats. This five-mile round trip hike is located in the desert and is bordered by a missile range, so be aware that you’ll encounter unexploded ordinances and other hazards along the way. In case you’re not sure how to handle these hazards, you can check out some tips for a successful hike.

First of all, the Alkali Flat Trail is an excellent way to experience the area’s unique environment. The desert’s gypsum dunefield covers 275 square miles in New Mexico. You can find a sign at the western edge of the park’s protected area to help you navigate the trail. Afterwards, the trail follows a series of ridges and a flat, sandy gulch.