White Sand National Monument Hike

[KSJeep]

Thought I would share a few shots of my hike through White Sands National Monument in Southern New Mexico.

I know, mid July in the NM desert is no time to be hiking. Oringinally just started out as a scouting trip to the park for further exploring later, however the early morning temps, cool breeze and mostly cloudy skies changed my mind.

Decided on the Alkali Flats Trail in the Heart of the Dunes area. The trail is a 4 1/2 mile loop through the dunes. I did bring plenty of water and food, just in case I changed my mind, such is usually the case on these outings.

View from the trailhead. The trail is not actually a trail you can follow, you hike from marker to marker through the dunes.

In some places the markers are close together, in others they can be a few hundred yards apart. Sometimes the disappear altogether with the shifting dunes.

Some plants and animals have learned to survive and even thrive in this harsh enviorment.

The dunes are a beautiful place, the pure white gypsum sand is definitly a sight to behold. Once into the hike you are in true wilderness, even though you may only be a couple of miles from the trailhead, you are surrounded by miles and miles of the White Sands with only the mountains in the background.

 

[Ursidae69]

Great trip, love that area of NM.

 

[kerry]

How far is this from Trinity Site? I was planning on going to Trinity Site when it's open in the fall and wonder if I can reasonably go here also. Is there camping in the vicinity?

 

[SCTaco]

Great pics! I love this place. This is the first place my dad let me drive a car.

 

[KSJeep]

How far is this from Trinity Site? I was planning on going to Trinity Site when it's open in the fall and wonder if I can reasonably go here also. Is there camping in the vicinity?

Maybe an hour or less from the Trinity Site, campgrounds in the area, or anywhere in the National Forest by Alamogordo.
Backcountry camping only in the monument, first come first serve, no vehicle camping, have to hike into the sites.

Mite hit the Trinity Site myself when it opens this year. Drop me a PM, we'll get together for a beverage or two, if nothing else, can give you the scoop on the area.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I love it out there. If you go down the road a bit on the right you can go the the museum at the missile range.

 

[Funrover]

Very Cool!

 

[jeepmedic46]

Cool, Nice write up and pics, Thank you for sharing.

 

[KSJeep]

Thanks all, looking forward to a overnighter in the park, should be quite the sight.