The Secrets of White Sands: A Self-Guided Driving & Walking Tour

Dreaming of a unique adventure through an otherworldly landscape? Look no further than White Sands National Park in New Mexico. While the vast gypsum dunes may seem daunting to navigate on your own, a self-guided driving and walking tour is the perfect solution for exploring this natural wonder at your own pace.

This tour, designed to take approximately 2-3 hours, offers the flexibility of a private experience with the rich, informative content of a professional guide. Instead of being tied to a rigid schedule, you and your group can pause, explore, and snap photos whenever you like. The best part? The tour is priced per car, not per person, making it an excellent value for families and groups.

What to Expect on Your Journey

The tour is both a driving and a walking experience, taking you along a 14-mile route that showcases the best of the park. It’s a journey through dazzling white dunes, with the majestic mountains of New Mexico providing a stunning backdrop. The audio guide will enrich your experience with fascinating stories about the park’s history, from prehistoric beasts and Apache warriors to the pivotal role it played in the development of the atomic bomb with J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights you’ll encounter on your self-guided tour:

• White Sands Visitor Center: Your adventure begins here, at the gateway to this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
• Dune Life Nature Trailhead: A short and family-friendly one-mile hike perfect for getting acquainted with the unique flora and fauna of the dunes.
• Interdune Boardwalk: For those who want to experience the dunes up close without getting sand in their shoes, this ADA-accessible boardwalk offers a relaxed half-mile stroll.
• Alkali Flat Trail: This is the tour’s main walking portion, a five-mile hike through the heart of the dunes. Be sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen for this challenging but rewarding trek.
• Backcountry Camping Trailhead: The tour concludes here, at the starting point of the two-mile Backcountry Camping Loop Trail.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

To make the most of your self-guided tour, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• App and Setup: The tour is delivered through a separate app, which you’ll need to download with a unique password after booking. It’s crucial to do this before you arrive at the park, as internet access can be unreliable. The app works offline after it’s downloaded, so you won’t have to worry about a lack of signal during your tour.
• Entrance Fee: Remember that this tour is not an entrance ticket to the park. You will need to purchase your park entrance pass separately.
• Go at Your Own Pace: The tour is designed for flexibility. You can start anytime, pause anywhere, and take as long as you need to enjoy the scenery and stories. The audio stories are hands-free and play automatically based on your location.
• Gear Up: The Alkali Flat Trail is a serious hike, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Headphones or earbuds are recommended for the walking portions of the tour for the best audio experience.
• Long-Term Value: The tour is valid for one year from the date of purchase, making it ideal for return visits or extended stays in the area.

With its engaging storytelling, comprehensive route, and hands-free convenience, this self-guided tour is the perfect way to explore the breathtaking and mysterious beauty of White Sands National Park.