Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Sledding at the Roadrunner Picnic Area
NPS Photo
The Roadrunner Picnic area provides an incredible place to go sledding with your friends and family. 40 feet dunes rise out of the parking lot with incredibe views of the San Andres and Sacramento mountains and white dunes running for miles.
A twenty minute drive from the visitor center, this picnic area is very large and has plenty of parking available. The size of this picnic area easily accomodates groups traveling by RV or pulling a trailer. Accessible covered picnic areas and two vault toilets makes this place one of the best sledding areas with access to facilities and shade. White sand dunes surround the entire picnic area providing plenty of space to go sledding even on the busiest days. Both large and smaller dunes are present giving you whatever sledding experience you are looking for.
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 minute drive from the visitor center, this picnic area is very large and has plenty of parking available. The size of this picnic area easily accomodates groups traveling by RV or pulling a trailer. Accessible covered picnic areas and two vault toilets makes this place one of the best sledding areas with access to facilities and shade. White sand dunes surround the entire picnic area providing plenty of space to go sledding even on the busiest days. Both large and smaller dunes are present giving you whatever sledding experience you are looking for.
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
Roadrunner Picnic 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 Roadrunner Picnic area has accessible picnic areas and vault toilets. The surface of the parking area is very hard packed sand.
The dunes are not accessible. Unpacked sand and steep grades make climbing the dunes difficult.
The dunes are not accessible. Unpacked sand and steep grades make climbing the dunes difficult.