Thing to Do

Hiking Dune Life Nature Trail

White Sands National Park

White sand dune in front of plant-spotted interdune with mountains on horizon
Yucca on the Dune Life Nature Trail

NPS

Join Dune Life Nature Trail mascot Katie the Kit Fox along this trail to learn about the animals that live here in 14 interpretive signs.

The Dune Life Nature Trail is an ecotone: a place where two communities meet and integrate. In this area, the desert scrub community and the gypsum sand dunes meet and form one of the most diverse ecosystems in the park. Look for the tracks of the animals that call these dunes home: kit foxes, badgers, birds, coyotes, rodents, and reptiles all live in this area.

  • Dune Life Nature Trail is a moderate one mile (1.6 km) loop through dunes of up to 30 feet (9.1 m) tall as well as an interdune area. 
  • This trail takes an average of one hour to complete. 
  • You will follow blue trail markers with a club symbol to navigate the trail.


 

Ranger Recommendations

  • Bring plenty of water for your family and pets
  • This trail has very little shade. Use adequate sun protection.
  • Look carefully for the next trail marker before continuing. If you cannot see the next trail marker because of blowing sand or because the trail marker is knocked down, do not proceed—return to your car. Strong winds can reduce visibility to a few feet, making it easy to become lost.
  • Keep in mind that this trail is for observing plant and animal life. If you want to play in the sand, please drive farther down Dunes Drive where there are better dunes for sledding and picnic tables with shade.
  • Stay on the trail to avoid damaging delicate biocrust.
  • Visit our Hiking Safety page for more recommendations about hiking in the unique conditions of White Sands National Park
 
Details
Duration
45-60 Minutes
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
This is a great trail for families, but it is not stroller friendly.
Standard park entrance fees apply.
Parking for Dune Life Nature Trail is on Dunes Drive, 2.8 miles (4.5 km) from the visitor center. 
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
During hot summer months, consider hiking early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Check the park's Operating Hours page for current closure time. 
Accessibility Information
This trail is not ADA accessible. This hike includes walking up and down sand dunes of up to thirty feet (9 meters) on loose gypsum sand. 

The park's only accessible trail is the Interdune Boardwalk. 

White Sands National Park

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Last updated: April 5, 2024