White Sands doesn't offer hotel accommodations or RV/car camping within the park
; however, although currently closed, we do offer primitive backcountry camping in the heart of the dunes. You'll also find many public and private campgrounds and RV parks within one hour's drive of the park.
How long is the Alkali Flat Trail?
This is a strenuous hike with a total distance of
five miles (8 km), round-trip
. Although the name of the trail is “Alkali Flat,” please note that this trail is not flat! This trail is for foot travel only. No bicycles, horses, or motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail.
Can you have a fire in White Sands?
Campfires are NOT allowed at White Sands National Park
, as in many other desert parks. Campfires can cause lasting impacts such as scorching the top layer of organic soil and damages the gypsum sand crystals. Always use a lightweight, portable stove for cooking.
How do you camp in White Sands National Park?
Though we do have primitive camping sites for backpackers, there is no campground for RVs or vehicles within White Sands National Monument. However,
there are many campgrounds, both public and private, within an easy drive of the park
.
Can you drive an RV through White Sands National Park?
The only camping available at White Sands is backcountry tent camping. So, as an RVer,
you'll need to plan to stay outside the park
. Two nearby options are Las Cruces or the town of Alamogordo.
How much time do you need at White Sands?
If you just plan to drive thru and look at the dunes, play in the sand a bit and spend some time in the visitor center then
2-3 hours
should be enough time. over a year ago. 2 hours in the dunes and one in the visitor center. You can watch a free small 10-15 min video in the visitor center.
Can you drink alcohol at White Sands?
Alcohol Prohibition
White Sands National Park is
closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages all year except at the following locations: Yucca Picnic Area, Road Runner Picnic Area, Primrose Picnic Area, and Group Use Area
.
Can you bring alcohol to White Sands?
Help keep White Sands clean by using trash containers and fireplaces. Ground fires are prohibited.
Alcohol is prohibited within the park from February 1 through May 31
. No glass bottles or kegs are allowed at any time.
Why is sand from White Sands illegal?
A spokesperson with the New Mexico Department of Transportation told KRQE News13 that Griffin is in the clear.
Once the sand blows onto Highway 70, it becomes contaminated so it can't be put back into the park
. Essentially, it becomes the DOT's property.
What is an alkaline flat?
alkali flat, also called Salina, orSalt Flat,
a playa, or dried-out desert lake, especially one containing high concentrations of precipitated dry, glistening salts
.
Where is alkali flats trail?
Try this 4.70 mile, loop trail
near Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico
. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 56 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Where are the alkali flats?
The Alkali Flats, also known as The Springfield Badlands, is
Springfield's desert region
. There is at least one building here which Krusty used to broadcast his show when all television was stopped by Sideshow Bob.
Is White Sands New Mexico Open?
White Sands National Park is
open daily year-round except for December 25, Christmas Day
.
Do I need a reservation for White Sand National Park?
Reservations are not needed to enter the park
; however, some of our interpretive programs require advance reservations. Special rates are available for those bringing commercial bus tours to the park.
Can you grill at White Sands?
Personal grills are allowed in picnic areas and pull outs along Dunes Drive
. When using personal grills, charcoal must be removed from the park. If using one of the park's grills, please leave the charcoal in the grill and douse with water.
Can you go off roading in White Sands?
“We've provided a safe and secure environment where White Sands families, employees and military members can enjoy the outdoors.”
In order to ride your ATVs on Saturday in the designated area riders must first come by the Outdoor Recreation facility located in the Desert Emerald Park to register and receive a pass.
Can you off road in White Sands?
Visitors planning to explore by motorcycle or bicycle should be aware that they are
only allowed on Dunes Drive and not on hiking trails or off-trail in backcountry areas
. While motorcycles and bicycles are allowed on the road, it is not without its hazards.
How long does it take to drive through White Sands?
It will take approximately
40 minutes
for the full round trip drive, but leave time for walking, hikes, and photographing the stunning and surreal scenery at the many pullouts. Once known as White Sands National Monument, this site was designated White Sands National Park on December 20, 2019.
Are there snakes in White Sands?
This large, heavy-bodied snake averages about four feet in length but can grow up to seven feet
. The underbelly of those in White Sands is often creamy as opposed to yellow, beige, or tan as it is in other areas.
Can you take sand from White Sands?
“
Federal laws and policies prohibit the taking of sand and any resource from within the national monument
,” White Sands National Monument tweeted from its official account after Griffin posted videos about the sand on social media.
Can you sled down sand dunes?
Sandboard and sand sled anywhere on the first ridge of dunes, accessible from the main Dunes Parking Area
. No reservations are needed to slide down the dunes. Sandboarding and sand sledding can occur any time of year, but in winter months, some retailers will not rent the sleds due to potential damage from frozen sand.
What should I bring to White Sands?
We highly recommended
sunglasses
for everyone in the family. Another benefit of sunglasses is it helps keep sand out of your eyes if it happens to be windy or you crash when sledding. Also, make sure to wear sunscreen with those sunglasses. The reflection of the sun off the sand can bring a quick sunburn.
