White Sands
National Park

Alkali Flat Trail

trail details

Type of Trip: Hiking Loop

Where: White Sands National Park

Permits Required: No

Miles: 5.0

Elevation Gain: 262 ft

Trailhead: Alkali Flat Trailhead

Cal Topo: https://caltopo.com/m/84NCU

Description: Loop around the dunefield that goes out to the edge of Alkali Flat, the dry lakebed of an ancient lake

logistics & itinerary

Wilderness Area : White Sands National Park

When did we do this hike? January 2024

Transportation: Parked at the Alkali Flat trailhead

Water: No water is available on the trail or at the trailhead, fill up at the visitor's center

Leave-No-Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Carry out all trash. Do not burn or bury toilet paper or trash.

Flora Considerations: None

Fauna Considerations: None

Trail Specific Considerations: There is no water on this trail and total exposure for the entirety of the trail. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Take special care to follow the trail markers as its easy to get turned around once in the dunes. Despite the name, the trail isn't flat and involves hiking up and down the dunefield. Like any wilderness trip, you accept a certain amount of risk when going on your hike. You are responsible for assessing how comfortable you feel with that risk and understanding your own physical abilities.

#New Mexico #WhiteSands #Desert