Backcountry Camping Trail

Overview

A moderate 2.0-mile loop through White Sands’ heart, this trail trades elevation gain for repeated, short climbs over loose gypsum dunes. Expect a workout despite the minimal formal elevation—walking in sand adds up. Plan on about 1.5 hours, more if you linger for photos.

Trail Experience

The route weaves across bright white dunes with sweeping views in every direction. The gypsum sand often stays relatively cool, so some hikers go barefoot, though traction can still be tiring. You’ll be climbing and descending multiple dune faces, including a few steeper rises that feel bigger than they look. There’s no shade, no water, and no facilities once you leave the trailhead.

Navigation and Safety

Wayfinding relies on orange posts marked with a spade symbol. Before you leave one marker, identify the next—winds can obscure footprints and even knock markers down. Cell service is spotty; bring an offline map or GPS, and be ready to turn back if you lose the line. Summer heat is intense (don’t start if temperatures are high), spring winds can create white-out conditions, and monsoon lightning is dangerous—tents offer no protection. The park borders an active missile range; if you spot strange debris, do not touch it. Scheduled range tests can also delay opening or trigger temporary closures, so check alerts before you go.

Logistics

Start from the signed Backcountry Camping Trailhead along Dunes Drive (about 6–6.5 miles from the entrance). There are vault toilets at the trailhead and a decent-sized parking area. Carry plenty of water (think at least a gallon per person per day in hot months), sun protection, sunglasses, and high-energy snacks. If you become disoriented, move to a dune crest where you’re more visible.

Camping Status

Overnight backcountry camping accessed via this loop is temporarily closed for rehabilitation with no determined reopening date. Day hiking remains a popular use of the loop.

Best Times to Hike

Aim for early morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and softer light—the dunes glow at sunrise and sunset. Winter days are usually mild, but nights can be very cold. Spring can be windy; skip the hike during a windstorm. Summer mornings or evenings are the only reasonable windows, and only if temperatures are safe. Weekdays typically feel quieter than weekends.