When searching for the best national park to visit in New Mexico, there is one that is unique, exciting, and beautiful — White Sands National Park. While there are many fun ways to enjoy the beauty of this national park in the Land of Enchantment, one understated way is actually a thrilling adventure: dune sledding.
Located in southern New Mexico, about an hour’s drive from Las Cruces and two hours from Roswell, White Sands National Park is one of our state’s brightest treasures that is home to beautiful views and unique activities.
Seth K. Hughes via Getty Images
In fact, sometimes White Sands National Park can feel something like an ocean-less beach with its soft sand and dunes of varying sizes.
Jasperdo/Flickr You can easily take advantage of both of those traits by embarking on a dune sledding adventure.
A time-honored tradition, dune sledding is an exhilarating experience that has been enjoyed at the park for generations! Here’s a peek at how you can enjoy it as well.
White Sands National Park/Facebook
The national park recommends reserving a sled at the gift shop in the park’s visitor center and heading out to the dunes between miles 4 and 6.
R. Tyler Gross via Getty Images Since the sand is less slippery than snow, waxed saucers are recommended to make gliding down the dunes an easier experience.
With a sled in hand at one of the larger dunes, you are now ready for a thrilling adventure!
snickclunk/Flickr Just like normal sledding, simply find a clear spot, plop yourself down on the sled/saucer, and slide on down the dune. Believe us, this is one of the best and most unforgettable things to do outside in New Mexico.
Have you been dune sledding at White Sands National Park? This is one experience the entire family will enjoy!
riceburnergrace/TripAdvisor
For details about this national park to visit in New Mexico such as special admission pricing, hiking trails, things to do, etc., visit the park’s website or Facebook page.
Seth K. Hughes via Getty Images
Jasperdo/Flickr
You can easily take advantage of both of those traits by embarking on a dune sledding adventure.
White Sands National Park/Facebook
R. Tyler Gross via Getty Images
Since the sand is less slippery than snow, waxed saucers are recommended to make gliding down the dunes an easier experience.
snickclunk/Flickr
Just like normal sledding, simply find a clear spot, plop yourself down on the sled/saucer, and slide on down the dune. Believe us, this is one of the best and most unforgettable things to do outside in New Mexico.
riceburnergrace/TripAdvisor
We want to know … have you ever been dune sledding at one of the best parks in New Mexico? If so, what did you think of this thrilling adventure? Do you have any tips for those who are going to try this activity for the first time? Let us know in the comments!
Prefer to trek through a snowy landscape instead? You may not find snow to be a common sight at this national park but you can definitely find it in the mountains surrounding Albuquerque. Here is one exhilarating guided tour in New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains that you’ll want to check out.
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Address: 19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in New Mexico March 31, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some of the best hiking trails in White Sands National Park? Hiking is one of the best ways to fully experience the best parks in New Mexico. At White Sands National Park, there are only five hiking trails but each one offers something truly spectacular. One of the best kid-friendly hiking trails at this national park to visit in New Mexico is the Interdune Boardwalk. This fully-accessible boardwalk trail is only 0.4-miles long and features multiple signs that tell you all about the plants, wildlife, and geology found within this gorgeous national park. Another kid-friendly hiking trail at White Sands National Park is the Dune Life Nature Trail. This hiking trail is one mile in length and you’ll come across several signs that teach you all about the animals that live in the sand dunes. This loop trail is quite easy but there are some challenging areas, including two sand dunes you will need to climb, so be prepared to help little ones in various areas along the way. If you are searching for a hiking trail that is a little more difficult and features quite a bit of distance, consider the Alkali Flat Trail. This 5-mile round-trip hiking trail will take you around the remnants of Lake Otero. This hike is certainly going to test you both mentally and physically as you will continually climb sand dunes. There is also little shade and no water along the trail so make sure you are fully prepared for this outdoor experience.
The OIYS Visitor Center
National Park to Visit in New Mexico
March 31, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some of the best hiking trails in White Sands National Park? Hiking is one of the best ways to fully experience the best parks in New Mexico. At White Sands National Park, there are only five hiking trails but each one offers something truly spectacular. One of the best kid-friendly hiking trails at this national park to visit in New Mexico is the Interdune Boardwalk. This fully-accessible boardwalk trail is only 0.4-miles long and features multiple signs that tell you all about the plants, wildlife, and geology found within this gorgeous national park. Another kid-friendly hiking trail at White Sands National Park is the Dune Life Nature Trail. This hiking trail is one mile in length and you’ll come across several signs that teach you all about the animals that live in the sand dunes. This loop trail is quite easy but there are some challenging areas, including two sand dunes you will need to climb, so be prepared to help little ones in various areas along the way. If you are searching for a hiking trail that is a little more difficult and features quite a bit of distance, consider the Alkali Flat Trail. This 5-mile round-trip hiking trail will take you around the remnants of Lake Otero. This hike is certainly going to test you both mentally and physically as you will continually climb sand dunes. There is also little shade and no water along the trail so make sure you are fully prepared for this outdoor experience.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking is one of the best ways to fully experience the best parks in New Mexico. At White Sands National Park, there are only five hiking trails but each one offers something truly spectacular. One of the best kid-friendly hiking trails at this national park to visit in New Mexico is the Interdune Boardwalk. This fully-accessible boardwalk trail is only 0.4-miles long and features multiple signs that tell you all about the plants, wildlife, and geology found within this gorgeous national park.
Another kid-friendly hiking trail at White Sands National Park is the Dune Life Nature Trail. This hiking trail is one mile in length and you’ll come across several signs that teach you all about the animals that live in the sand dunes. This loop trail is quite easy but there are some challenging areas, including two sand dunes you will need to climb, so be prepared to help little ones in various areas along the way.
If you are searching for a hiking trail that is a little more difficult and features quite a bit of distance, consider the Alkali Flat Trail. This 5-mile round-trip hiking trail will take you around the remnants of Lake Otero. This hike is certainly going to test you both mentally and physically as you will continually climb sand dunes. There is also little shade and no water along the trail so make sure you are fully prepared for this outdoor experience.
