Sand Sledding / Hiking / Picnic at White Sands

Distance: 1.7 miles total
Duration: 1 hours walking, 1 hr sledding + drive time (plan for ~4-5 hours round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate (loose sand, lots of hill climbing)

Now that the weather is cooler and the National Park is open, let's go hiking and sledding at White Sands! Bring/rent your own sled, or use our ultra-fast waxed wooden sand sled (which usually works better than the more common plastic saucers). We can hike around the 1.7-mile Backcountry Trail, sled down some of the steeper slopes, and have an optional picnic afterwards at the park's shade shelters.

Carpooling: Strongly encouraged! Leave a note if you are willing to drive.

What to Bring:

• At least 1 liter of water per person (more if possible)
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• Comfortable hiking boots/walking shoes
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, sunwear (light colored clothing is good; White Sands always feels warmer than nearby areas, due to lack of shade and the sun reflecting off the sand)

Important Notes:

• Kids are welcome/encouraged!
• Leashed pets are also welcome, but please pick up after them; this is a popular barefoot hiking area.
• Arrive at the Back Country Camping Loop Trail parking area at 9:30 AM. This parking area is 6 miles from the park entrance/Visitor Center.
• As of 11/10/25, White Sands was still unable to collect park entry fees due to the government shutdown, so park visitors were just proceeding on into the park, without passes. This will likely change now that the government shutdown has ended. See the NPS permits page before you visit:
  [https://www.nps.gov/whsa/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm](Permits)

Here is a link to the Backcountry trail on All Trails:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-mexico/white-sands-backcountry-trail
Here is a map showing the location on Dunes Drive:
[https://npmaps.com/wp-content/uploads/dunes-drive-map.jpg](Dunes Drive)

Caution/Disclaimer: Participants are responsible for their own personal safety/health and of their guests when participating in Las Cruces Short Hikes activities. The organizers of Las Cruces Short Hikes are not liable for any illness, injury, accident, mechanical break-down, or unforeseen acts that may occur while you participate going to, during, or after any activity. If you have a medical condition that may be aggravated by any kind of physical activity you must make your own personal decision about attending and not hold any of the volunteer organizers liable. All organizers are volunteers and are not compensated during any activity.