Alkali Flat Trail

The Alkali Flat Trail is the most strenuous trail at White Sands National Park.

Quick Facts

Location:

7 miles from Visitor Center

Amenities

4 listed

Audio Description, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Trailhead

Red trail markers with a diamond symbol guide hikers along this strenuous, 5-mile (8 km) roundtrip hike. The Alkali Flat Trail skirts the edge of what is now the final remnant of Lake Otero. This trail is not flat! You will be hiking up and down dunes the entire way. Go only if you are prepared. There is no shade, no water, and no toilet facility along this trail. The average completion time is three hours.

Length: 5 miles (8 km), round-trip
Trail Marker Color: Red
 Trail Marker Symbol: Diamond
 Average Completion Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
 Distance from Visitor Center: 7 miles (11.2 km)
Restroom: Two vault toilets at the trailhead

Before setting out on foot at White Sands National Park, please view our Hiking Safety Tips.