Rating | ★★★★☆(4/5) |
Overall Difficulty | Easy |
Navigation Difficulty | Easy |
Distance | 1 mile roundtrip |
Time | 1 hour |
Terrain | A few hills |
Best Seasons | Spring, Fall, Winter |
Family Friendly | Yes |
Dog Friendly | Yes |
Accessible | No |
Highlights
- Being surrounded by white sand dunes
- Child-oriented educational signs
Hike Summary
The Dune Life Nature Trail is a staple of White Sands National Monument. On a short, one-mile loop, you'll observe the unique beauty of the white sand dunes while learning more about the wildlife that call this special place home. If you only have time to do one easy trail in the park, this is the one to pick!
The trail begins as a straight, flat walk through a grassy area before climbing the first of two inclines you'll experience on this hike. After ascending the hill, you'll have your first view of the stunning white sand dunes, as pictured below.
Important Information
Dogs are allowed on leash (this is one of the few Park Service properties that allows pets). This is the best family-friendly trail in the park since its educational signs were designed with kids in mind and the short looping trail allows for an easy hike to explore the sand dunes. Spring, fall, and winter are the best seasons to visit since summer temperatures are extremely hot and there is no shade. No matter the season, wear sun protection! This is one of the busiest places in the park, so expect to see many others enjoying the dunes.
Directions
From El Paso, take Interstate 10 west to Las Cruces. Continue onto Interstate 25 north, then take the exit for U.S. Highway 70 heading east. After about 45 minutes, turn left to enter White Sands National Monument. Pay the fee at the entrance station, and continue straight. Turn left at the sign for the Dune Life Nature Trail and park in the lot at the end of the drive.
Google Maps Directions
Parking, Fees, and Facilities
The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle per day and annual passes for White Sands National Monument are available for $40. Interagency passes are also accepted here. There are pit toilets in the parking lot.
Nearby Hikes
![The Sacramento Mountains towering over the flat desert](https://www.nocoastbestcoast.com/images/white-sands-playa-trail-2-thumb.jpg)
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
★★☆☆☆(2/5)
![The wheelchair accessible boardwalk with dunes on either side](https://www.nocoastbestcoast.com/images/white-sands-interdune-boardwalk-2-thumb.jpg)
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
★★★☆☆(3/5)
![The San Andres Mountains beyond the blowing white sand](https://www.nocoastbestcoast.com/images/white-sands-alkali-flats-6-thumb.jpg)
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
★★★★★(5/5)
![The white gypsum dunes with the Guadalupe Mountains beyond](https://www.nocoastbestcoast.com/images/salt-basin-dunes-5-thumb.jpg)
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
★★★★☆(4/5)