The easiest and only accessible trail in White Sands National Park is the Interdune Boardwalk Trail. This trail is an elevated boardwalk, just a 0.4-mile round trip that takes you through the fragile interdune area to a picturesque view of the dune field and the Sacramento mountains. If you’re interested in the fascinating geology, tenacious wildlife, and other special features of the world’s largest gypsum dune field, this is the hike that you don’t want to miss! For more things to do in White Sands National Park, don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide!
Stats
Where
Interdune Boardwalk Trail Head
Dunes Dr, Tularosa, NM 88352
32.793850, -106.239186
Parking
There is a decent size parking lot in front of the trailhead.
Restroom
There is a vault toilet at the trailhead
Fee
There is a fee to enter the Petrified Forest National Park. Please check the park’s website for updated info. You can also use your America the Beautiful Pass here.
Distance
0.4 miles R.T.
Elevation Gain
0 ft
Level
Easy, accessible
Time:
10 – 20 minutes
Pet-friendly
Pets are allowed on a leash of a maximum of 6 feet in length.
Ideal Time
You can access this trail anytime.
Weather
Video
Getting to the Trailhead
Interdune Boardwalk is located along the main road Dune Drive in White Sands National Park. It is about 4.5 miles from the fee station. There is a decent size parking in front of the trailhead.
The Adventure
The Interdune Boardwalk
After parking, we hopped onto this elevated boardwalk and made our way forward. This boardwalk is elevated above the interdune areas to protect the fragile interdunes underneath. Interdune areas are where all vegetation in the dune field originated. This short, yet scenic Interdune Boardwalk Trail is the best place to get a close and personal look at some of the wildflowers and plants that thrive here at White Sands National Park.
What You Can Learn Along the Way
Along the way, we came across a gazebo with benches and interpretive signs, showcasing the fascinating geology and wildlife here. Usually, there is a ranger here to help explain things. We learned that this area between the dunes is a sanctuary for plants, which thrive off the cyanobacteria living in an extremely thin layer of crust. Cyanobacteria is a blue-green algae responsible for helping to provide nitrogen to the plants here and protecting the landscape from erosion.
Besides that, we also learned to identify footprints in the sand. It was quite intriguing to see which animal left what footprints. We even had a little game to see if we could spot these tiny footprints in the sand. Since most animals hide during the day, you could tell which ones came out at night just by looking at their footprints. It was pretty neat.
The Interdune Boardwalk Trail is such a short walk, yet full of interesting information about the park. We highly recommend making a quick stop here before exploring the park further. It will enrich your experience at the park. Once you’re done here, try sledding down the dunes! It’s an experience you won’t forget!
Recommended Gear
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
This is our favourite hiking shoes. We use them for canyoneering as well. Lots of traction. Vy’s version.
Dustin’s version for La Sportiva shoes
Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
