• The dunes in soft light

    White Sands

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Closures and Missile Tests

    Upcoming Missile Tests: From time to time the missile range that surrounds us performs missile testing that may require the closure of the park or Highway 70. Please follow the link below for up to date information on closures More »

Interdune Boardwalk

Distance from Visitor Center: 4.5 miles (7.2 km)

Length of trail: 650 yards (585 m) round trip

Description of trail: This trail is fully accessible for people using wheelchairs and strollers. The trail is an elevated boardwalk. This trail leads you through a fragile interdune area to a scenic view at the top of a dune. Interdune areas are where all plant life in the dunefield starts. This is the best place to get a close look at many of the wildflowers that grow here while protecting the park's resources. There are informational signs and benches located at various points along the boardwalk.

Did You Know?

Photo of animal tracks

Most desert animals are nocturnal, coming out to feed only at night when temperatures are cooler. Every animal in the white sands makes tracks on the dunes as it moves, leaving clues to its nocturnal activities.