Dunes Discovery Morning Hike

Enjoy beautiful scenery on the Dunes Discovery Morning Hike

NPS Photo

The Dunes Discovery Morning Hike is a leisurely, ranger-guided walk through the gypsum sand dunes. This is a great way to start your day in the park.

The hike is easy to moderate and about half a mile (0.8 km) long.

When

Dunes Discovery Morning Hikes are offered sporadically as staffing allows. Check the park calendar for the most up to date listing of programs.

Reservations

Reservations are not required or permitted.

Where

Meet near the sunset stroll sign parking area, an 8-mile (12.9 km) drive from the fee station. Follow Dunes Drive, staying left at the intersection. The Dunes Discovery Morning Hike begins in the parking lot on the left just after you pass the Backcountry Caming Loop trailhead parking. Look for the signs reading "Sunset Stroll Meets Here."

Cost

Program is free. Park entrance fees apply.

Program length

45 minutes to one hour.

Safety Information

Be prepared for warm and sunny temperatures. Bring a hat and wear sunglasses. The sand reflects the sun so apply sunscreen to all exposed areas even in winter. Wear loose, light-colored clothing to help keep your body cooler, and bring one liter of water per person for the sunset stroll. Bring a jacket for the cooler evening--as the sun goes down, so does the temperature.

When the park is experiencing a heat advisory, for the safety of staff and visitors, programs in the park will be canceled. Please check the park calendar or call 575-479-6124 ext. 236 to check the status of the program.

Fitness

The morning hike is an easy to moderate hike. The hike is approximately one half mile (0.8 km) in length, and it is conducted at a leisurely pace with stops along the path. The hike requires climbing moderate dunes.

Accessibility

The morning hike does not require much climbing; however, it does lead visitors off-road, across, and over the sand. As a result, it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Accommodations to visitors with special needs will be made as best as possible, but the hike may require ascending and descending a few gradual dune slopes.

Service animals are allowed at all park facilities open to the general public.

Restrooms

No toilets are available at the meeting area or along the hiking route.

Seating

Seating is not available on the morning hike; however, you may sit on the ground at any time during the program if you wish.

Pets

Pets are allowed as long as they are non-disruptive, on a leash no longer than six feet (2 m), and under physical control at all times. Pets, like humans, should leave only footprints. Pick up after your pet(s) and Leave No Trace.

Programs may be canceled due to public health, weather or missile range activities.

Weather at the park can vary drastically and change quickly. The decision to cancel a program due to weather is rarely made more than 30 minutes before the program start time. Call the park at 575-479-6124 ext. 236 if you would like to confirm that a program is still scheduled. If the program is canceled, it will not be re-scheduled.