First Stop of Backcountry Camping Loop Trail Tour

This photo, from 1904, shows hikers from around 30 years before the Monument's establishment.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Backcountry Camping Loop Trailhead

Amenities

2 listed

Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Welcome to White Sands National Park’s digital self-guided tour! If you see the Backcountry Camping Loop Trailhead in front of you, you’re in the right place.

White Sands is far more than just a sandbox. Over time, this land has been home to countless creatures and people. It’s been a site for research and recreation, sleds and snapshots. Just as the landscape shifts and changes every day, the way recent humans have utilized this place has changed, too. As we begin our voyage to explore how the ways we use this landscape has changed over time, remember that nothing is permanent – especially not the world’s largest gypsum sand dunes. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust your location to get a better view along the way.

Here are a few more tips to help you make the most of this self-led tour:

• Read up on our hiking safety tips before setting off on foot.

• Bring plenty of water! We strongly recommend having at least a gallon of water per person, per day. There is no drinking water available in the dunefield.

• Always know where you are, and keep a keen eye on the trail markers both behind you and ahead of you. The backcountry trail markers will all have the spade symbol on them.

• Please be respectful of visitors setting up camp at the designated sites along the trail, and try to avoid wandering into campsites uninvited. We’re not Goldilocks, and the beds probably won’t fit “just right.”

Now if you’re ready to begin, you can continue along the trail. 

Let’s go!