Last updated: September 3, 2024
Thing to Do
Sledding at the Alkali Flat Trailhead
NPS Photo
The Alkali Flat trailhead parking area offers incredible sledding opportunities on White Sands National Park's gypsum dunes in the heart of the park. Incredible views of White Sands and the surrounding mountains greet you on the top of the tallest dunes accessible by the dunes drive.
A twenty five minute drive, the Alkali Flat trailhead parking area is at the end of the 8 mile dunes drive. The parking lot is plowed into the dunes as provided plenty of parking for standard cars and oversized vehicles. Tall dunes line the parking lot and give plenty of excellent sledding locations. For a little more privacy, hike a few dunes in to have fresh sand to sled down. There is one vault toilet there are no shade structures present at Alkali Flat Trailhead parking area. Do note, the alkali flat area can be difficult hiking and has steeper dunes. This area is not suggested for young children.
Sledding at White Sands still requires you to be prepared. Make sure you bring plenty of water (1 gallon per person is suggested) and sun protection. The visitor center is the only place in the park that has water available. Adult supervision of children is advised. Children ages 5 to 9 are most susceptible to injury. Parents of young children should not let them sled alone. Older children should be coached on how to check for hazards such as vegetation and other visitors on the dunes.
Visitors can rent or purchase sleds at the White Sands Trading Post gift shop. They can also bring in their own sleds. For questions about sledding, please call (575) 479-6124.
A twenty five minute drive, the Alkali Flat trailhead parking area is at the end of the 8 mile dunes drive. The parking lot is plowed into the dunes as provided plenty of parking for standard cars and oversized vehicles. Tall dunes line the parking lot and give plenty of excellent sledding locations. For a little more privacy, hike a few dunes in to have fresh sand to sled down. There is one vault toilet there are no shade structures present at Alkali Flat Trailhead parking area. Do note, the alkali flat area can be difficult hiking and has steeper dunes. This area is not suggested for young children.
Sledding at White Sands still requires you to be prepared. Make sure you bring plenty of water (1 gallon per person is suggested) and sun protection. The visitor center is the only place in the park that has water available. Adult supervision of children is advised. Children ages 5 to 9 are most susceptible to injury. Parents of young children should not let them sled alone. Older children should be coached on how to check for hazards such as vegetation and other visitors on the dunes.
Visitors can rent or purchase sleds at the White Sands Trading Post gift shop. They can also bring in their own sleds. For questions about sledding, please call (575) 479-6124.
Details
Activity
Playground
Pets Allowed
Yes
Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Visitors must pick up after their dogs. Please makes you bring plenty of water for your pets as well as yourself.
Activity Fee
No
A park entrance pass is required for to enter White Sands National Park.
Sleds can be purchased at the White Sands Trading Post during visitor center hours if you do not bring your own sled to the park.
Sleds can be purchased at the White Sands Trading Post during visitor center hours if you do not bring your own sled to the park.
Location
Alkali Flat Trailhead parking area
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Summer temperatures at White Sands National Park often average in the high 90's during the day with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees farenheit consistently. Thunderstorms are common in the park and are most frequent during July and August. Please pay attention to changing weather during your visit at the park.
Winter temperatures average in the 60's during the day and around 30 degrees at night. Please come prepared for cold temperatures
Winter temperatures average in the 60's during the day and around 30 degrees at night. Please come prepared for cold temperatures
Accessibility Information
The Alkali Flat trailhead and dunes are not accessible. Unpacked sand and steep grades make climbing the dunes difficult.