- White Sands Visitor Center - 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.
- Playa Trail - 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.
- Dune Life Nature Trail - 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.
- Interdune Boardwalk - 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.
- Backcountry Camping Trailhead - 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.
- Alkali Flat Trail - 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.
- Take the tour when you want
- Tours NEVER expire
- Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive using GPS
- Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
- Tour Start is Customizable
- Turn-by-turn directions using GPS
- Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t
- Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
- Park Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle
- Parking Fees
- Entrance Fees
- Meals and Refreshments
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.
- Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.
- Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.
- Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.
- Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.
- Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!
- The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.
- What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
