White Sands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour Discount Tickets

4.7
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 6 reviews |

Get your discount tickets for the White Sands National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour, save up to 9% !

Overview

Welcome to White Sands National Park, where endless waves of gypsum sand dunes create a surreal landscape unlike any other. As your audio tour guide, I'll lead you through this mesmerizing wonderland of pristine white sands spanning over 275 square miles. Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty as sunlight dances off the dunes, painting the landscape with ever-changing hues. Hear tales of the resilient desert flora and fauna adapted to thrive in this harsh environment. Capture breathtaking views against the backdrop of azure skies, and don't miss the opportunity to sled down the soft slopes, a favorite pastime for visitors of all ages. Let the whispers of the sands and the timeless charm of this unique natural masterpiece captivate your senses. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at White Sands National Park. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.*

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Route 54 south of Alamogordo, NM

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

Itinerary

1. White Sands Visitor Center
The visitor center is part of the White Sands Historic District, a group of adobe buildings constructed during the Great Depression that adheres to the Pueblo Revival style. At the visitor center, you can visit the small museum, watch the park film, browse through two gift shops, and purchase sleds if you'd like to try sledding on the sand dunes.
Duration: 20 mins
2. Playa Trail
This short and very easy trail takes you to a dried lakebed or a playa. Informational panels interpret what the playa looks like, and what kinds of animals it attracts, throughout the seasons. The trail is about a half-mile round trip and flat.
Duration: 15 mins
3. Dune Life Nature Trail
This one-mile loop takes about an hour and goes up and down the dunes through the interdunal area, or the transition zone between the desert scrubland and the sand dunes. Because of a few steep climbs and the general difficulty of hiking through sand, this hike is rated as moderate. But the reward is walking through a unique ecosystem.
Duration: 60 mins
4. Interdune Boardwalk
This is a must-stop for everyone. The Interdune Boardwalk is an ADA-accessible elevated path through the interdunal area. If you're not able to try the Dune Life Nature Trail, this one's a great alternative. A couple of covered seating areas offer shade on this half-mile round-trip walk.
Duration: 20 mins
5. Backcountry Camping Trailhead
White Sands features a backcountry camping area, with remote campsites out among the dunes. However, the trail to the campsites is open to anyone. It's a two-mile loop and rated moderate because of the difficulty of hiking up and down sand dunes. However, this trail is a good alternative if you want to experience being out in the dunes without attempting the more difficult Alkali Flat trail.
Duration: 90 mins
6. Alkali Flat Trail
Alkali Flat is the dried lakebed of the ancient Lake Otero, where the white sands are formed. To reach the edge of the flat, hike this five-mile round-trip hike through the sand dunes. Because of the length, and the continued challenge of hiking through sand, this is rated as a difficult hike.
Duration: 180 mins

Inclusion

Take the tour when you want

Tours NEVER expire

Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive using GPS

Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)

Tour Start is Customizable

Turn-by-turn directions using GPS

Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t

Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music

Exclusion

Parking Fees

Meals and Refreshments

Entrance Fee

Private Transportation

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.

The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.

Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.

Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device

Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting

The park is wedged between two military installations: Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range. There are times when Route 70 is blocked, or the park must close, as the military conducts tests. Check the Military Testing Park Closures page on the park’s website for any upcoming closures when planning a trip.

Supplied by Shaka Guide Apps

Reviews

4.7

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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