Alkali Flat Trailhead
The Alkali Flat Trailhead serves as the gateway to one of White Sands National Park's most challenging and rewarding hikes-the Alkali Flat Trail.
Plan Around Alkali Flat Trailhead
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Alkali Flat Trailhead Details
The Alkali Flat Trailhead serves as the gateway to one of White Sands National Park's most challenging and rewarding hikes-the Alkali Flat Trail. Located approximately seven miles from the visitor center, this trailhead marks the beginning of a five-mile (8 km) round-trip journey through the heart of the world's largest gypsum dunefield. Despite its name, the Alkali Flat Trail is far from flat. Hikers navigate a series of steep dunes, consistently ascending and descending 60-foot (18.3 m) sand formations. The trail skirts the remnants of Lake Otero, a prehistoric lake that once filled the Tularosa Basin during the last ice age, covering approximately 1,600 square miles.
Difficulty
Open
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Nearby Parks Around Alkali Flat Trailhead
Compare nearby parks around Alkali Flat Trailhead when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Alkali Flat Trailhead
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Alkali Flat Trailhead while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Alkali Flat Trail
The Alkali Flat Trail at White Sands is the park's most strenuous hike, offering an unforgettable trek through an ocean of shifting gypsum dunes.
0.6 mi away
Yucca Picnic Area
The Yucca Picnic Area offers covered picnic tables, providing much-needed shade from the intense desert sun.
0.6 mi away
Yucca Picnic Area
The Yucca Picnic Area is a scenic and tranquil spot nestled within the vast white dunes of White Sands.
0.7 mi away
Sunset Stroll Meeting Area
The Sunset Stroll at White Sands National Park is a daily ranger-guided program that offers visitors an intimate experience of the park's unique gypsum sand dunes during the enchanting hours of sunset.
0.7 mi away
Roadrunner Picnic Area
The Roadrunner Picnic Area at White Sands offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal stop for visitors looking to experience the unique landscape of the world's largest gypsum dunefield
