Interdune Boardwalk

A fully-accessible and pet-friendly short hike highlighting "the science, geology, plants, and animals that make White Sands an unequaled natural wonder."

Hiking Easy

Distance: 591 m
Ascent: 2 m
Descent: 2 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 1.2 km
High Point: 1.2 km
Gradient: 0˚

Fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, this short hike in White Sands wanders along an elevated boardwalk with expansive views of the dunefield, framed by the Sacramento Mountains to the east. This hike is must-do and is often completed in less than 30 minutes. According to the NPS, it "may even convince you that White Sands is the world's greatest sandbox AND much more."

Photo from Interdune Boardwalk — Photo: Shutterstock

Description

One of the most important things to know about this hike is that the "area is reserved for nature study," meaning off-trail travel can adversely affect the fragile ecosystem. Stick to the boardwalk, and practice Leave No Trace to ensure future visitors can share the same beauty for years to come.

The trailhead for this hike rarely fills, and there is typically space to park a small RV or trailer. There is a vault toilet at the trailhead, but no water or shade. That said, there is a shade structure with benches near the halfway point of this trail. Along the way, you will also pass exhibits highlighting the native wildlife and "the perfect weather and geological conditions that created and sustain the world's largest gypsum dunefield."

NPS