Backcountry Camping Loop Trail

The Backcountry Camping Loop Trail is a moderate, two-mile loop in the heart of the dunes.

Quick Facts

Location:

6 miles from the Visitor Center

Amenities

5 listed

Audio Description, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

The Backcountry Camping Loop Trail is a moderate, 2-mile (3.5 km) roundtrip hike. Though backpackers hike the trail most frequently, it is also open to visitors who want a shorter hike through the heart of the dunes. Follow the orange trail markers with a spade symbol into an area of beautifully varied dunes and vegetation. The trail requires hikers to climb over several steep dunes and loose sand. There is no shade, no water, and no toilet facility along this trail. The average completion time is 1.5 hours.

Length: 2 miles (3.5 km), round-trip
Trail Marker Color: Orange
Trail Marker Symbol: Spade
 Average Completion Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance from Visitor Center: 6 miles (9.7 km)
Restroom: Two vault toilets at the trailhead

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