Sledding in White Sands
Sledding at White Sands is a one-of-a-kind experience, replacing icy slopes with soft, rolling dunes of white gypsum sand.
Plan Around Sledding in White Sands
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Sledding in White Sands Details
Sledding at White Sands is a one-of-a-kind experience, replacing icy slopes with soft, rolling dunes of white gypsum sand. Unlike snow, the sand stays cool year-round, making for a comfortable and exhilarating ride. Waxed plastic saucers work best for gliding smoothly down the dunes, and they can be purchased at the park's gift shop or brought from home. Traditional sleds with runners or rough bottoms tend to drag, resulting in a slower, bumpier ride. Finding the right dune is just as important as having the right sled. Sledding is allowed within the loop portion of Dunes Drive, but visitors must steer clear of roads and vegetation. The best dunes have gentle slopes leading into flat areas for a safe stop. Before sledding, it's crucial to check for hidden obstacles like buried plants or hardened sand. To minimize injury, sledders should sit upright or lie back with feet pointing downhill rather than going headfirst. Hydration is key, as climbing dunes repeatedly can be exhausting, especially when temperatures exceed 85F (29C). Popular sledding spots include the Alkali Flat Trailhead, which boasts towering dunes for thrilling rides, and the Roadrunner Picnic Area, where shaded tables offer a great place to rest. Those seeking a moderate experience can try the dunes near the Backcountry Camping Trail parking area. Whether you're racing down the slopes or simply enjoying the stunning desert backdrop, sledding at White Sands is an unforgettable adventure for all ages.
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
Things to Do
Nearby Parks Around Sledding in White Sands
Compare nearby parks around Sledding in White Sands when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Sledding in White Sands
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Sledding in White Sands while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Jessie Benton Fremont
An early advocate of the Park, without her work behind the scenes, Yosemite might not exist today.
0.0 mi away
ZERO LANDFILL IN THE PARKS:
THE YOSEMITE, GRAND TETON AND DENALI PROGRAM
0.0 mi away
30-Minute Helicopter Ride
Fly rim-to-rim in a half-hour.
0.0 mi away
50-Minute Airplane Tour
The ultimate Canyon airplane tour.
0.0 mi away
50-Minute Helicopter Tour
Offering aerial tours of the North and South Rims as well as the Grand Canyon's East Rim.
