White Sands National Park - 1-Day Highlights
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White Sands National Park - 1-Day Highlights

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White Sands National Park photo

Ranger-curated one-day highlights itinerary for White Sands National Park.

Itinerary

Ranger-curated White Sands day with sunrise dunes, short hikes, and sunset light.

06:30
👀

Sunrise at the Dunes Drive overlook

White Sands National Park
60 min

Welcome to White Sands National Park and the Sunset Roll self-guided driving tour! This tour begins from the park’s adobe visitor center located immediately to the right as you enter the park from the highway. White Sands National Park is among the most unique places on planet earth featuring expansive gypsum sand dunes. However, White Sands is so much more than just the dunes. Here life within has evolved against a white backdrop which provides a natural laboratory to study rapid evolution. For human visitors, the Tularosa Basin is a place we come to for insights into our past, present, and future as human beings. This tour will show the value of White Sands as a natural wonder, ecosystem, and a place for human enjoyment. Before departing into the dunefield here are a few more tips to help you make the most of your visit: Read up on our hiking safety tips before setting off on foot. This is the last chance to get water! We strongly recommend having at least a gallon of water per person, per day. There is no drinking water available in the dunefield. Always know where you are in the park if you decide to explore the dunes from the road. Take note of the mile markers along the road and which parking area you leave your vehicle in. Let's hit the road!

My Notes

Cool morning light on the gypsum dunes.

Tips

Arrive early for parking and soft light.

Photo Spots: Blue-hour tones on white dunes.
#place#white sands national park
View on NPS Website
08:00
🥾

Alkali Flat Trail (short out-and-back)

White Sands National Park
120 min

The Alkali Flat Trail is the most strenuous trail at White Sands National Park. It offers an unparalleled view of the dunefield as well as Alkali Flat itself.

My Notes

Walk into the heart of the dune field.

Tips

Carry water and bring sun protection.

Photo Spots: Clean dune lines and open sky.
#place#alkali flat#trail#strenuous hike#white sands national park
View on NPS Website
11:00
🍽️

Picnic at Interdune Boardwalk

White Sands National Park
60 min

This is the only wheelchair-accessible trail at White Sands National Park, and offers a variety of interpretive signs that showcase many of the incredible creatures and features found at White Sands.

My Notes

Shaded boardwalk area for a break.

Tips

Use shade for mid-day heat.

#place#interdune boardwalk#wheelchair accessible#stroller accessible#trail#nature area#nature study#white sands national park
View on NPS Website
13:00
🚗

Dunes Drive scenic loop

White Sands National Park
60 min
My Notes

Short drive with pullouts and short walks.

Tips

Wind can be strong; protect eyes and gear.

18:30
👀

Sunset at Sunset Stroll

White Sands National Park
60 min
My Notes

Best late light on the dunes.

Tips

Arrive early for a good spot.

Photo Spots: Warm light on dune ridges.

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1

Day

5

Stops

moderate

Difficulty

Tags

#1-day#highlights#whsa